The WandHERwild Podcast — Adventure, Wonder & Modern Motherhood

In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica is joined with Cacao Circle facilitator, Ana Gioia, guiding listeners through a cacao circle meant to brighten and bloom with Beltane. Through sensory meditation, nature recollections, and feminine reflection, you’re invited to listen in and reclaim your own wild essence and sensuality through heart-opening presence.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* Pause for a sensory meditation and breathing reset

* Learn the heart-centered benefits of cacao in motherhood and ceremony

* Reflect on nature memories and how flowers connect us to the divine feminine

* Reconnect to your wild, sensual self in the season of Beltane

* Be reminded that magic lives in the everyday — when we slow down enough to notice

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to join our next virtual cacao circle in August? Date & timing will be announced soon right here!

Time Stamps

[00:00] Welcome & Intentions: Ana opens the circle with the intention for connection to the changing seasons and the inner brightening and blooming we are experiencing as mothers, when we tune into ourselves.

[01:15] Grounding Breath & Movement: Gentle breath and movement to soften the body and call your energy back in, followed by a clearing and centering exercise.

[09:00] Cacao Ceremony Begins: Honoring the ancestral lineage and spiritual purpose of cacao as heart medicine.

[13:20] Childhood Flower Memories: Monica and Ana reflect on formative plant and flower memories, from magnolia trees to hibiscus tea.

[20:50] Sensory Meditation for Beltane: A lush, guided visualization to reclaim pleasure, presence, and sensuality as a mother.

[27:00] Wild Essence Reflection: Tuning into memories that evoke your truest self—sunlight, rain, dance, and freedom.

[33:00] Closing Reflections: The importance of slowness, joy, and seasonally attuned living.

Quick Links:

Wand(HER)wild | Join An Upcoming Digital Event for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Join An Upcoming Retreat

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

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In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica shares heartfelt reflections recorded from her backyard the week of Earth Day. Using the movies Idiocracy and Don't Look Up as jumping-off points, she explores how disinformation affects our society — and why it's critical to teach our children to seek truth, trust intuition, and stay deeply connected to the natural world.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* Why staying connected to nature is a revolutionary act

* Teaching kids critical thinking in a world of misinformation

* How to navigate differing opinions respectfully

* The importance of research, discernment, and trusting intuition

* Building resilience against polarized, clickbait culture

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Time Stamps

* [0:00] Backyard Musings on Earth Day: Monica shares her inspiration for recording a raw, Saturday night reflection on parenting and Earth consciousness.

* [3:00] Idiocracy, Disinformation, and Parenting Today: Reflections on the eerie parallels between the film Idiocracy and modern-day challenges.

* [5:00] The Fragility of Our Planet & Our Responsibility: Why caring for Earth goes far beyond celebrating a single day — it's our only home.

* [07:00] Teaching Kids to Navigate Information Mindfully: Practical tips on raising children who question, research, and think critically.

* [10:00] Opinions vs. Facts & Respectful Debate: Encouraging thoughtful conversation and the beauty of respectful disagreement.

* [12:00] Trust, Intuition, and Empowering Future Generations: How to nurture inner wisdom in your children and yourself in a noisy world.

* [13:00] Invitation to Connect: How to get involved with upcoming Wand(HER)wild virtual and Wanderwild Family Retreats in-person events.

Join us this Friday, May 2nd at 11:30am EST for a virtual cacao circle of sharing and reflection alongside Beltane. Sign up here!

Quick Links:

Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

Subscribe 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!

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In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica is joined by wellness leader and breathwork facilitator Lucia Oliveira. Together, they explore how challenges like postpartum depression, business loss, and a parent’s health scare led Lucia to discover the transformative healing of breathwork. This episode is an inspiring guide for mothers seeking reconnection with their inner light, emotional healing, and deeper embodiment in motherhood through breath.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* The importance of embodiment practices in overcoming emotional hardship

* Different types of breathwork and their benefits for mothers

* How trauma-informed breathwork offers safe, nourishing healing

* Breathwork as a spiritual, conscious reconnection to your highest self

* Practical tips on integrating breathwork into busy mom life

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Time Stamps

[00:00] The Awakening: Lucia’s Journey Through Postpartum and HealingLucia shares her personal struggles with postpartum depression, anxiety, and family health challenges, and how these experiences led her toward embodied healing and breathwork.

[00:02] Finding Purpose: Breathwork as a Path to HealingLucia recounts her first life-changing breathwork session and explains how it ignited her passion to become a trauma-informed breathwork facilitator.

[00:08] Understanding Breathwork: Methods, Types, and ExperiencesAn overview of different breathwork modalities, including Pause Breathwork, Holotropic, and Wim Hof, and how each supports healing in unique ways.

[00:14] Breathwork as Daily Medicine: Anxiety, Grief, and Self-CareThe conversation explores how breathwork can support daily mental health, emotional regulation, and healing from anxiety and trauma.

[00:22] Teaching the Next Generation: Breathwork for KidsMonica and Lucia reflect on introducing breathwork practices to young children as tools for emotional regulation and mindfulness.

[00:23] Retreats Rooted in Magic: Lucia’s Portugal ExperiencesLucia shares the inspiration behind her soulful retreats in Portugal, blending mindful practices with immersive cultural travel experiences.

[00:28] Rapid Fire & Final Thoughts: Life Lessons and Where to Find LuciaRapid-fire questions reveal Lucia’s favorite rituals and wisdom from motherhood, and she shares where listeners can connect with her and join her offerings.

Lucia Oliveira is the founder of Luminous by Lucia, offering sacred breathwork, intuitive yoga, and soul-led retreats in Portugal. She guides women—especially mothers—back to their inner light through embodied healing, spiritual connection, and heart-centered transformation.Use code 'WANDERWILD' for 50% first month of Breathwork Membership.

Join Lucia’s Cultural & Mindfulness Retreat in Portugal this summer.

Website: http://www.luminousbylucia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminousbylucia

Quick Links:

Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

Subscribe 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!

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Feeling the weight of lingering energy in your home? In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica shares her transformative experience with an energetic home cleansing ritual. This episode invites listeners to reconnect with their space, release stagnant energy, and embrace seasonal shifts. It's a grounding reminder that sacred rituals can spark powerful changes—without the overwhelm of deep cleaning.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* A gentle, powerful home cleansing ritual rooted in seasonal rhythms

* Tools you can use (but don’t need to use!)

* Permission to do it your way—messy boxes and all

* A deeper connection to your space and your family

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Time Stamps

[00:00] Welcome & Introduction: Monica—mom, expat, spiritual entrepreneur—shares the intention behind today’s episode.

[01:45] Why Home Cleansing Matters: Monica shares her story of performing her first energetic cleanse after a year of heavy emotions.

[03:50] More Than a House—It’s Your Hearth: Reflecting on the emotional and energetic role of the home in motherhood.

[05:36] Join the Full Ritual Experience: Access the full video, guide, and supportive mom community at Wand(HER)wild.

Quick Links:

Energetic Home Cleansing Ritual

Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

Subscribe 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!

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In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica shares life seven months after leaving her high-powered engineering job to pursue a soul-led life. She reveals updates on Wanderwild Family Retreats and Wand(HER)wild offerings—mother & child retreats, private family retreats, family travel planning services, and digital events for moms—inviting mothers to reconnect with themselves, family, and nature through conscious community and aligned travel.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* How Monica restructured her life post-corporate for more presence and clarity

* Why Wanderwild Family Retreats and Wand(HER)wild are evolving and expanding in 2025

* New offerings to deepen your connection to family, nature & self

* How you can shape these offerings through community feedback

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Time Stamps

[00:00] Life After Leaving Corporate: Monica shares the emotional journey and newfound freedom that came with leaving her engineering career to build her dream life.

[02:00] The Evolution of Wanderwild Family Retreats: A behind-the-scenes look at how Wanderwild Family Retreats came to life—and how it’s expanding with full-time focus.

[04:00] Summer Retreats & What’s New: Updates on the flagship Mother & Child summer retreat and exciting new offerings like private group retreats and family travel planning services.

[06:00] Conscious Alternatives to Traditional Travel: Why Wanderwild Family Retreat’s curated retreats are a more intentional, wellness-centered option than commercial travel.

[08:00] Custom Family Travel Planning Services: Monica announces bespoke itinerary planning for families seeking mindful, luxurious, and nature-infused adventures.

[10:00] Digital Community & Drop-In Events: Explore upcoming virtual events, from cacao circles to mindful movement classes, that bring the retreat vibe home.

[12:00] Connect With Us: Monica encourages listeners to reach out, listen to the podcast, and explore Wanderwild Family Retreats & Wand(HER)wild’s many ways to deepen connection this season.

Quick Links:

Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

Subscribe 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!

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In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica shares a full moon ritual she created with her young children, using moon water, intention setting, and a simple altar. Designed to inspire moms to tune into nature’s rhythms and create magical, meaningful moments at home, this episode is an invitation to deepen family bonds through monthly lunar rituals.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* How to create a full moon ritual with young children that’s both fun and meaningful

* What moon water is and how to charge it with intention

* How to build a simple elemental altar using objects from your home and nature

* Why connecting to natural cycles can spark deeper presence and magic in everyday parenting

* Ways to make spiritual practices kid-friendly and intuitive

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

What You’ll Need for Your Own Ritual

Luckily, we created a beautiful visual & audio guide just for you and your kiddos to save for next month <3.

FULL MOON RITUAL VISUAL GUIDE

FULL MOON AUDIO GUIDE

Time Stamps

[00:00] Full Moon Invitation: Monica opens with a gentle invitation to notice the full moon and shares the ritual she and her children created around it.

[02:00] Why I Tried a Full Moon Ritual with My Kids: Monica shares her decision to create a full moon ritual with her children and reflects on it being their first time doing it together.

[03:05] What Is Moon Water?: A brief, simple explanation of moon-charged water and how it’s been used throughout spiritual traditions to connect with lunar energy.

[04:00] How We Created Our Ritual at Home: Monica describes the practical steps they took—gathering water, building an altar, and choosing a window to soak in the moonlight.

[05:00] Making it Meaningful for Kids: She explains how they incorporated natural elements (earth, fire, water, air), favorite trinkets, and intention-setting that was easy and fun for her 4-year-old and 2-year-old.

[06:00] Setting Intentions with Littles: Monica and her daughter write messages to each other and themselves, adding a layer of emotional connection to the ritual.

[07:00] Drinking in the Magic: The next morning, her toddler son drinks his moon water and experiences his own version of the ritual.

[08:00] Why It Matters: Monica reflects on the power of monthly rituals, how they inspire presence, and why she’ll likely do it again.

[09:00] Your Invitation To Try It: Monica invites listeners to try the ritual (or revisit the email), stay connected, and watch for more nature-aligned practices for families.

Quick Links:

Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

Subscribe 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!

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In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica is joined by Sarah Harmon, Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Founder of The School of MOM (Mothering Ourselves Mindfully) and The Parent Wellness Group, for a conversation on mindful mothering and mothering yourself. They explore self-compassion, nervous system regulation, sacred feminine energy, and healing the Mother Matrix. This empowering episode invites mothers to slow down, tune in, and redefine motherhood from the inside out.

Sarah opens up about her personal experience with a family mental health crisis and how it became a catalyst for her work. She offers a grounded, soulful perspective on how we as mothers can begin to shift our inner dialogue and create lasting generational change—starting with ourselves.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* Why Sarah believes "you can’t give out what you can’t give in" as a mother

* What it means to “mother yourself” and how to begin doing it mindfully

* Understanding your inner voices: anxiety, the critic, the planner, and the loop

* How to use the M.O.M. Ritual for daily nervous system check-ins

* How estranged or strained relationships with our own mothers affect our parenting

* A refreshing reframe from “mother wound” to the empowering Mother Matrix

* Practical tools for embodiment, boundaries, and body-based healing

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Time Stamps

[00:00] – Sarah’s personal story: A family mental health crisis and the origins of her work[07:00] – What is “mothering ourselves mindfully”?[12:00] – The inner voices all moms struggle with and how to meet them with compassion[17:00] – From mother wound to Mother Matrix: reframing generational healing[20:00] – The M.O.M. Ritual: A 3-step mindfulness tool for moms[25:00] – Why embodiment matters and how to reconnect with your body[29:00] – Tools Sarah uses: myofascial therapy balls, rituals, and sacred space[32:00] – Rapid fire round: Sarah’s favorite practices, beverages, astrology, and more[34:00] – Where to find Sarah and join The School of MOM

Learn More About Sarah Harmon:

Website: The School of MOMInstagram: @the.schoolofmomPodcast: Mothering Ourselves Mindfully

Take the quiz: Discover your dominant inner voice

As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Founder of The School of MOM (Mothering Ourselves Mindfully) and The Parent Wellness Group, Sarah Harmon blends her mindfulness, yoga, and mental wellness expertise to guide mothers toward authentic, fulfilling lives. Through her integrative approach, she empowers women to transform their experience of motherhood while creating lasting positive changes that ripple through generations. Sarah's mission is to help mothers not just survive, but truly thrive—rewriting the narrative of what modern motherhood can be.

Quick Links:

Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

Subscribe 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!

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This episode offers a gentle guided breathwork experience from a recent Wand(HER)wild virtual breathwork experience. Monica is joined by friend and Pause Breathwork facilitator, Lucia Oliveira, inviting you to pause, release what no longer serves, and open to renewal. Through affirmations and deep presence, this short practice reconnects you to your breath, your body, and the cyclical rhythms of change.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* Experience a calming, soul-centered breathwork ritual

* Release tension, old stories, and emotional clutter

* Anchor into seasonal shifts and new beginnings

* Reconnect with your body, heart, and intuition

* Feel renewed in just 10 minutes—no prep needed

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Time Stamps

[00:00] Welcome & Context: Monica introduces this mini-episode, offering a guided breathwork ritual from a recent community event.

[01:10] Setting the Intention: You're invited to place your hands on your heart and belly, grounding into your body with presence.

[02:05] Affirmation-Infused Breathwork Begins: Breath and spoken word intertwine: “I release what no longer serves me. I welcome fresh beginnings. I trust in the cycles of change.”

[03:20] Integration & Embodiment: Feel the energy of renewal move through your body and mind as you breathe in possibility and breathe out the past.

[04:40] Gentle Return to the Present: Lucia guides you to slowly reawaken, offering space and grace to come back into your environment with softness.

[06:00] Invitation to Connect: You're lovingly invited to explore future digital or in-person experiences with the Wand(HER)wild and Wanderwild Family Retreats community.

Quick Links:

Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

Subscribe 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!

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In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica shares an honest reflection on navigating motherhood’s chaos. Recorded outdoors at her home, she offers four easy, screen-free spring activities to connect as a family while embracing the mess. With vulnerability and inspiration, this episode invites moms to find magic in the little moments and reconnect with nature this spring.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* Embracing chaos as part of the motherhood journey

* How contrasting lifestyles can offer unexpected clarity

* 4 outdoor, screen-free spring activities to reconnect as a family

* The importance of outdoor rituals in seasonal transitions

* A reminder that you are not alone in the mess

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Time Stamps

[01:00] Chaos and Magic at Home: Monica reflects on a recent family visit and how the chaos in her household — full of illness, an aging pet, and lively kids — highlights the real, imperfect beauty of this season of life.

[03:00] Living the Dream Amidst the Mess: Monica shares how years ago she longed for a home full of noise and energy, and reminds listeners that the chaos they might feel now is often the life they once hoped for.

[04:00] It’s Okay If It’s Chaotic: She reassures mothers that a messy, chaotic home does not mean they are failing — it is often a sign of a house filled with love and life.

[05:00] Outdoor Family Activities for Spring: Monica transitions into four easy, screen-free outdoor activities her family is doing this spring to stay connected and grounded.

[06:00] Activity #1: Eating Outside: The family enjoys taking meals outdoors, turning everyday moments into special memories by simply moving breakfast or lunch to a picnic blanket or patio.

[06:30] Activity #2: Backyard Campfires: Monica describes how gathering around a small campfire creates a cozy, low-stress environment for connection, reading, playing, or simply being together.

[07:00] Activity #3: Nature Nests for Reading and Music: She shares how her family creates cozy outdoor "nests" of blankets and pillows for reading, drawing, journaling, and listening to peaceful music together.

[08:00] Activity #4: Adventure Walks and Nature Collecting: Going on short walks to collect rocks, leaves, and flowers for creative art projects brings simple adventure and creativity into family time.

[09:00] Simple, Easy Magic: Monica emphasizes that these activities don't require lots of time, planning, or money — just a willingness to pause, go outside, and be present together.

[10:00] Summer Retreats and Private Family Retreats: Monica invites listeners to upcoming summer and private family retreats hosted by Wanderwild Family Retreats, offering opportunities for deeper connection in nature.

[11:00] Closing Reflections: She wraps up with a warm reminder that even amid life’s busyness, choosing simple outdoor moments can create the lasting magic families are seeking.

Quick Links:

Wand(HER)wild | Virtual Events for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

Subscribe 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!

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Are you truly listening to your body? In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica talks with Stefanie Adler, a functional health practitioner and nutritionist, to uncover the power of hormone balance, gut healing, and cycle-informed living. Stefanie shares her personal journey of overcoming digestive struggles and fertility fears, offering practical strategies to connect with your body and optimize your well-being.

Key Takeaways From the Episode:

* Breaking generational health patterns

* How hormone imbalances impact intuition

* Cycle-informed living for more energy and alignment

* Why detoxing from social media + toxins can transform your health

* The power of honoring your womb’s wisdom

Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Time Stamps

[00:01] – Stefanie’s Health Journey: Her lifelong digestive issues and how food became her medicine.

[02:45] – Breaking Generational Health Cycles: How witnessing her aunt’s fertility challenges inspired Stefanie’s purpose-driven path.

[05:15] – The Power of Listening to Your Body: How intuition is clouded by information overload—and how to come back to your own truth.

[07:00] – Nutrition & Hormones: How They Shape Your Reality: Blood sugar, toxins, hormonal swings, and the importance of talking to your body like a partner.

[09:15] – Consistency Over Perfection: Why supporting your hormones daily matters more than being perfect—and how cycle syncing changed everything.

[10:45] – Intro to Cycle-Informed Living: The benefits of living cyclically, syncing your lifestyle with your hormonal phases, and honoring your internal seasons.

[11:45] – Nature-Based Cycle Mapping: Stefanie’s take on seasonal cycle syncing: autumn = menstruation, winter = follicular, spring = ovulation, summer = luteal.

[14:00] – Moon Phases & the Womb: How we can tap into the lunar cycle postpartum or when periods are irregular to stay rooted in feminine flow.

[15:30] – The Womb as Creative Space: Why intentionality matters—because the womb is not a junk drawer, it's a sacred space for visioning, healing, and creation.

[17:00] – Where to Find Stefanie: Get her Cycle Informing Chart (for your fridge or mirror!) and connect on IG @stefanieadlerwellness.

Learn More About Stefanie Adler:

Stefanie’s Website

Wisdom of the Womb Podcast

Stefanie’s Instagram

Cycle Syncing Chart

Stefanie Adler is a Functional Health Practitioner, Nutritionist, and Podcast Host who supports those with cycling bodies in balancing their hormones, healing their guts, supercharging their energy and all things babymaking.

Quick Links:

Wand(HER)wild | Virtual Events for Moms

Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats

Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica

Subscribe 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!

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