The WandHERwild Podcast — Adventure, Wonder & Modern Motherhood

Monica Virga Alborno, Founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats

The WandHERwild Podcast explores adventure, wonder, and modern motherhood — from everyday life to family travel around the world. Hosted by Monica Virga Alborno, founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats, the show blends honest storytelling, lived experience abroad, and thoughtful conversations about how to stay curious, grounded, and expansive while raising a family. Each episode offers perspective, reflection, and real-life insight for mothers navigating change, identity, and the in-between moments — both at home and beyond. wandherwild.substack.com

  1. We Planned the Dream Family Trip, Here’s What Actually Happened (Multi-Generational Travel with Kids)

    5D AGO

    We Planned the Dream Family Trip, Here’s What Actually Happened (Multi-Generational Travel with Kids)

    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 belonging Who 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 You There 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 Podcast Thanks 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

    22 min
  2. MAR 9

    Women’s Circles, Re-Villaging, and the Return to Belonging with Becca Piastrelli

    Many mothers can feel it: the deep longing for community, for shared support, and for a way of living that feels less isolated and more human. In episode 62 of The WandHERwild Podcast, I sit down with writer, podcaster, and community guide Becca Piastrelli to talk about re-villaging, women’s circles, and what it means to return to belonging in a hyper-individualistic world. Becca shares the story of her move from California to the Hudson Valley, what it means to trust the land calling you somewhere, and how her work has evolved around seasonal living, ritual, community, and gathering women in circle. Together, we explore why so many mothers feel the ache of the missing village, and what it can look like to rebuild it in modern life. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level ideas of community. We talk about the deeper emotional work of re-villaging, the power of women’s circles as a healing and regulating space, and the practical, energetic, and relational layers of holding space well. We also reflect on what it means to include children in ritual, how belonging can be practiced in small and meaningful ways, and why gathering women together may be one of the most important forms of healing available to us right now. Whether you’re craving more support in motherhood, curious about hosting women’s circles, or longing for a more connected way of living, this episode offers language, perspective, and grounded inspiration for what becomes possible when we come back together. In This Episode: * Why I was drawn to Becca Piastrelli’s work around community, ritual, and seasonal living * What re-villaging really means in modern motherhood * Why so many mothers feel isolated in today’s culture * How hyper-individualism has shaped parenting, caregiving, and belonging * What a women’s circle is beyond the surface-level understanding * Why circles can be deeply healing, regulating, and transformative * The energetic and practical care that goes into holding a women’s circle well * How to begin facilitating circles in your own community * Why rebuilding the village is both simple and deeply challenging * How ritual and community can include children and family life too Who This Episode Is For * Mothers who feel isolated, overstretched, or unsupported * Women craving deeper community and more meaningful connection * Anyone curious about women’s circles, re-villaging, or modern village-building * Mothers interested in ritual, belonging, and gathering in community * Women who want to host circles or create more intentional spaces * Families seeking a more connected and less individualistic way of living An Invitation For You We’re 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. With just a few rooms left, email us for special rates and discounts! And because our Summer Mother–Child Retreat sold out so fast, we’ve added a second session (July 6-9, 2026). Details and booking information are linked here: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/catskills-summer-retreat. Connect with Becca Piastrelli If this conversation stirs something in you, I encourage you to explore Becca’s work through her podcast, Substack, and her CircleCraft offerings for women who feel called to gather others in circle. You can connect with Becca here:Podcast: BelongingWebsite: becapiastrelli.comSubstack: How We Come Back Timestamps * 00:00 Why I felt called to connect with Becca * 00:45 Pregnancy, thresholds, and major life transitions * 02:04 Introducing Becca Piastrelli and her work * 03:39 Why certain places call us and how the Hudson Valley found her * 11:10 What re-villaging means and why mothers are craving it * 16:30 My reflections on retreats, village life, and modern motherhood * 19:09 What a women’s circle really is * 25:30 Energetic preparation and holding space in circle * 29:30 How women can begin facilitating circles in their own communities * 32:40 Including children in ritual and family-centered gathering * 37:50 Why this work matters for mothers, families, and collective healing * 40:00 Where to connect with Becca Links & Resources * Spring Family Retreat details * Summer Mother–Child Retreat details * Subscribe to my work on Substack * Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild Podcast Thanks 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

    41 min
  3. Seasonal Living in Winter: 6 Ways I’m Wintering In Right Now

    JAN 19

    Seasonal Living in Winter: 6 Ways I’m Wintering In Right Now

    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 nothing Who 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 nature An Invitation For You There 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 Retreats Links & Resources * Winter Mother–Child Retreat details * Spring Family Retreat details * Subscribe to my work on Substack * Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild Podcast Thanks 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

    24 min
  4. Family Travel Trends for 2026: My Predictions

    JAN 14

    Family Travel Trends for 2026: My Predictions

    This episode explores family travel trends for 2026, including meaningful family travel, retreats with children, holistic travel, and community-based experiences. Family travel is shifting — and many parents can feel it before they can fully name it. In episode 60 of The WandHERwild Podcast, I share my predictions for where family travel is heading in 2026, based on years of listening closely to families, mothers, and the wider travel and wellness landscape. Drawing from thousands of conversations with parents, intuitive observation, and behind-the-scenes market research through media, press, and retreat planning, this episode explores what families are truly craving from travel now — and what they’re moving away from. I reflect on why perfectly curated trips no longer feel fulfilling, how mental load and decision fatigue are shaping travel choices, and why meaning, balance, and community are becoming essential elements of family travel experiences. This episode is an invitation to rethink how and why we travel with our children — and to imagine family trips that feel nourishing, connective, and deeply aligned with the lives we’re building together. Whether you’re planning future trips, feeling disconnected from mainstream travel options, or curious about more personalized family travel and retreats, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and a forward-looking lens on what’s coming next. In This Episode: * Why family travel is shifting toward meaning over aesthetics * What parents are craving beyond all-inclusive resorts and big chains * How mental load and decision fatigue influence travel choices * Why personalized, more meaningful family travel is on the rise * The growing demand for holistic travel experiences that support parents and kids * How nourishment, movement, rest, and adventure are becoming equally important * Why self-care is no longer optional in family travel * The role of childcare, space, and support for parents while traveling * Why community and in-person connection matter more than ever * How retreats, boutique stays, and shared experiences are shaping the future of family travel Who This Episode Is For * Families rethinking how they want to travel together * Parents feeling overwhelmed by traditional travel options * Mothers seeking slower, more meaningful family experiences * Families craving connection, community, and presence while traveling * Parents interested in a more holistic approach to family travel and retreats * Anyone curious about family travel trends for 2026 An Invitation For You There 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 Family Travel Trends * 03:20 Meaningful Travel in 2026 * 07:36 Holistic Travel Experiences * 09:56 Community Connections in Travel * 12:00 Wanderwild Family Retreats Invitation Links & Resources * Winter Mother–Child Retreat details * Spring Family Retreat details * Subscribe to my work on Substack * Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild Podcast Thanks 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

    13 min
  5. Intuitive Parenting: 7 Things I Do When I Doubt Myself

    JAN 7

    Intuitive Parenting: 7 Things I Do When I Doubt Myself

    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 comparison Who 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 fatigue An Invitation For You There 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 Parenting Links & Resources * Winter Mother–Child Retreat details * Private 1:1 business consulting * Subscribe to my work on Substack * Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild Podcast Thanks 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

    21 min
  6. Inside a Winter Mother–Child Retreat: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

    2025-12-30

    Inside a Winter Mother–Child Retreat: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

    In episode 58 of The WandHERwild Podcast, I share an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to host a mother–child retreat — from the weeks of preparation to the unseen details that create a sense of ease for families once they arrive. Recorded in the weeks leading up to the upcoming Winter Retreat, this episode walks through the full rhythm of a four-day gathering: how the team prepares, how childcare and wellness are woven together, and how thoughtful design reduces mental load for mothers traveling solo with their children. This episode is a transparent look at the care, coordination, and heart-led hospitality that make our in-person experiences feel grounded and nourishing. Whether you’re curious about attending a retreat, interested in hosting gatherings of your own, or simply want to understand what makes certain spaces feel deeply supportive, this episode offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain. In This Episode: * What happens 4–6 weeks before a retreat even begins * How guest communication, packing lists, and childcare preparation are handled * The role of the retreat team (and why it’s never a solo effort) * How environments are adapted to be both beautiful and kid-safe * Why the retreat schedule is intentionally spacious, especially in winter * How meals, movement, and circles are designed to reduce decision fatigue * The unseen labor that allows mothers to arrive and simply be * What it looks like to support both guests and the retreat team sustainably Who This Episode Is For * Mothers considering a retreat with their child * Women curious about in-person gatherings and community * Anyone interested in intentional travel and slow living * Women interested in how thoughtful experiences are built and held * Founders and creatives who value structure and strategy as much as intuition An Invitation For You There 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. Monica also briefly shares about her private, small-container business coaching for those interested in hosting retreats or bringing an early-stage idea to life. More information can be found here: https://thekindredsocial.com/. Timestamps * 00:00 What really happens behind the scenes at a mom and child retreat * 02:22 Why intentional retreats support modern motherhood * 03:53 How moms are prepared before the retreat begins * 06:45 How the retreat team personalizes the experience for each family * 08:14 Why location and nature immersion matter for nervous system reset * 09:48 How the retreat space is made safe, cozy, and kid-friendly * 12:54 Day one flow: arrival, connection, and winter settling in * 15:00 Day two and three rhythm with kids programming and mom wellness * 18:03 Cacao circle, emotional support, and community building * 19:29 Conscious food and nourishment for moms and kids * 21:07 Evening childcare and mom-only rituals * 23:39 Final day four rituals, reflection, and gentle departures Links & Resources * Winter Mother–Child Retreat details * Private 1:1 mentoring with Monica * Subscribe to Monica on Substack * Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild Podcast Thanks 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

    29 min
  7. 2025-12-22

    Organizing Your Work Week, Breaking Free From Time Debt with Megan Sumrell

    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 You 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. 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 Podcast Thanks 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

    41 min
  8. 2025-12-15

    What I Learned Celebrating Christmas Abroad as an Expat Family

    Holidays abroad look different now, and this year our family may be spread across three countries for the first time. With my sister in France expecting her baby any day, my parents navigating health challenges in the U.S., and us here in Norway, this season is asking for flexibility, softness, and a new kind of togetherness. Living abroad has taught me that holiday magic doesn’t appear because the calendar says December. It’s something we have to make through presence, intention, ritual, and the people we love, whether they’re beside us or thousands of miles away. In episode 56 of The WandHERwild Podcast, I share what celebrating Christmas and New Year has looked like across Kuwait, Angola, Norway, and now as an expat family raising children in a blended cultural home. From working through the holidays on an oil rig, to rooftop New Year’s gatherings with coworkers who became family, to cozy cabin days in Norway where simplicity reigns, these experiences have shaped the way we create meaning today. Whether your own family is nearby or spread across the world, I hope this conversation helps you release expectations, slow down, and find the magic that’s already here. In This Episode: * How holiday traditions shift when family lives in different countries * Why holiday magic is something we create, not something we find * What celebrating in Kuwait, Angola, and Norway taught Monica about meaning * Simple rituals that help families stay connected across distance * Blending cultural traditions in an expat, multi-faith household * How slow living in Norway reshaped holiday expectations * Ways to release perfection and find joy in a changing season An Invitation For You 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. Links & Resources * Spring Family Retreat details * Summer Mother–Child Retreat details * Subscribe to my work on Substack * Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild Podcast Thanks 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

    28 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The WandHERwild Podcast explores adventure, wonder, and modern motherhood — from everyday life to family travel around the world. Hosted by Monica Virga Alborno, founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats, the show blends honest storytelling, lived experience abroad, and thoughtful conversations about how to stay curious, grounded, and expansive while raising a family. Each episode offers perspective, reflection, and real-life insight for mothers navigating change, identity, and the in-between moments — both at home and beyond. wandherwild.substack.com