The WandHERwild Podcast: Transformational Family Travel & Wild-Souled Motherhood

Monica Virga Alborno, Founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats®
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The WandHERwild™ Podcast explores adventure, wonder, and modern motherhood from everyday life to transformational family travel around the world. Every episode explores the impact approaching life with curiosity, living outside your comfort zones, and traveling with family in tow can truly have on self development and family connections. Hosted by Monica Virga Alborno, founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats®, the show looks through the lens of her lived experience & perspectives on raising a family abroad as an American Expat of 15 years, and invites guests on the show who are also exploring life with a curious, open mind. This is a show for those who want to boldly live life to it's fullest, be authentically themselves, and embrace a wild-souled motherhood. wandherwild.substack.com

  1. 2d ago

    Inside Wanderwild's Biggest Shift: Becoming a Transformational Family Travel Company

    We’ve just made the biggest shift we’ve ever had within Wanderwild Family Retreats, and I wanted to bring you behind the scenes of that decision, what’s guiding me in this direction, and what this next chapter is going to look like for our community. This shift has been shaped by so many conversations I’ve had with you. During our retreats, sitting down for a coffee, on connection calls, through emails and DMs. I read all of it, I take it in, and I sit with it. And I deeply feel that Wanderwild is a personal journey for me, both as a mother and in how I embrace travel and self-development. Where I’m being guided is also, a lot of times, where our community and the collective is being guided. So it just felt like time for this shift to happen. I’ve been an American expat for 15 years, traveled to over 80 countries, and for two decades I’ve experienced the world through a very immersive, curious, and slower pace of travel. That’s how I’ve always traveled, and it’s given me so much outside of just another travel experience. It enriches your soul. It unlocks parts of yourself. And now, bringing my kids along, I can see how much it’s giving them too. Life skills, creativity, resilience, problem solving, discernment, and the ability to make their own original, unbiased perceptions about people and places. As we’ve celebrated five years of Wanderwild, I’ve been reflecting on where we’ve been, how our community has grown, and how we can enable more families to experience the world in this way. Our kids are getting older. Families want to bring grandma and grandpa. We have different family units connecting with us, and people who have been wanting something from Wanderwild that we weren’t quite ready to provide. And so, in Q4 of 2026, we’re moving from being not only a seasonal mom and child retreat company to becoming a transformational family travel company. Looking back now, it feels like the path was always meant to lead right here. In episode 65 of The WandHERwild Podcast, I’m sharing behind the scenes of the biggest shift in Wanderwild’s history, what transformational family travel means to me, and why I believe travel can bring so much more to our lives than just another vacation. I’m also taking you through the three ways we’re now supporting families, from our seasonal international mom and child retreats to family wellness travel planning and our new family summer abroad collection. And I’m sharing why this shift is bringing me back to my travel roots, while also allowing us to bring so much more of what our community has been asking for into Wanderwild. In This Episode * The biggest shift we’ve ever made within Wanderwild Family Retreats and what’s guiding this decision * Reflecting on five years of Wanderwild, from our first mom and child retreats to our digital membership, virtual summits, and podcast * Why I’ve been feeling pulled back to my travel roots after years of mother-centric self-development * How 15 years of living abroad and traveling to over 80 countries has shaped my approach to travel * How our growing community and changing family needs are influencing this next chapter * Moving from a seasonal mom and child retreat company to a transformational family travel company * What transformational family travel means to me, including experiential learning, nature-based learning, worldschooling, and conscious travel * Why worldschooling doesn’t have to mean uprooting your entire life or changing your children’s traditional education * How travel can develop resilience, creativity, problem solving, discernment, gratitude, and self-awareness * Learning from ancient civilizations, folklore, different cultures, and the natural world * Why travel can be a way to heal, strengthen, release, and bond outside of everyday life * Creating holistic family experiences where children aren’t an afterthought and everyone receives something from the experience * The three ways Wanderwild is now supporting families through retreats, family wellness travel planning, and our family summer abroad collection Who This Episode Is For * If you’ve been following Wanderwild and are curious about the biggest shift we’ve ever made within the company. * If you’re looking for family travel experiences that are more immersive, curious, and slower paced. * If you want to experience places that aren’t typically on the top 10 lists or offered through mainstream travel agencies. * If you’re interested in experiential learning, worldschooling, nature-based learning, and conscious travel. * If you believe travel can enrich your life beyond just another vacation and provide opportunities for self-development. * If you’re looking for travel experiences that thoughtfully consider everyone in the family, including children, parents, and grandparents. * And if you’re interested in seeing how we’re expanding Wanderwild to support more families and different ways of experiencing the world. A Special Thank You To Our Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Aura House. I haven’t been burning scented candles in my home for a long time, but it’s still really nice to have a fragrance in your home sometimes. Scents hold memory, and I still remember walking into my grandparents’ home and what it smelled like. Aura House offers cold-air diffusion with no synthetic fragrances, and the design is so sleek and beautiful. If you’d like to have scent in your home without burning a scented candle, you can learn more about aurahouse.com and use code WANDERWILD for 10% off your next purchase. Quick Links Mom-Child Seasonal Retreats Family Wellness Travel Planning Family Summer Abroad Planning The WandHERwild Podcast Business Mentorship Brand Partnerships Contact Us 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

  2. Jun 3

    3 Family Travel Experiments I'm Trying This Summer

    A few weeks after returning from our three-week multi-generational family trip, I found myself thinking less about where we traveled and more about how we traveled. The more I reflected on the experience, the more I realized I wasn’t looking for a different destination, a better hotel, or a more optimized itinerary. What I was really searching for was a different way to experience family travel itself. I kept coming back to a few questions. How do we create trips that feel more present and less rushed? How do we share responsibility instead of placing it on one person? How do we create meaningful experiences without feeling like we have to orchestrate every moment? And how do we return home feeling restored, connected, and energized rather than depleted? Instead of searching for answers online, I decided to approach this summer’s travel differently. I came up with three experiments that we’re going to test as a family. One experiment gives every family member—including the kids—the opportunity to plan and lead a day of the trip. Another builds dedicated restoration time directly into the itinerary for each adult. And the third explores what happens when we stop trying to create all of the magic ourselves and allow local guides, teachers, and facilitators to help shape the experience. In Episode 64 of The WandHERwild Podcast, I’m sharing the realizations that inspired these experiments, how they are already influencing the way we think about travel inside Wanderwild, and why I believe the future of family travel is less about seeing more and more about experiencing it differently. In This Episode * The biggest realizations from our recent multi-generational family trip * Why “I choose to have a great day today” has become our family travel mantra * How food, flexibility, and giving back can shape the travel experience * Family Travel Yes Days: giving each family member ownership of a day of the trip * How travel can teach kids leadership, planning, and decision-making * Scheduling restoration into the itinerary for parents and grandparents * Why solo time, trail runs, sound healing, and cold plunges are part of our travel plans * Letting local guides, teachers, and experts create meaningful family experiences * 3 family travel experiments I’m trying this summer with my family * How these ideas are influencing the way we approach family travel at Wanderwild Who This Episode Is For * This episode is for you if you’ve ever come home from a trip already thinking about what you’d do differently next time. * If you want family travel to feel more joyful, restorative, and enjoyable for everyone involved. * If you’re curious about sharing responsibility and creating more ownership across the whole family. * If you’re looking for fresh ideas that go beyond typical family travel tips and itineraries. * If you want to create more space for connection, restoration, and meaningful experiences while traveling. * And if you’re interested in a different way of approaching family travel—one that leaves you feeling energized instead of depleted. An Invitation For You Some of the questions I’m sitting with right now are: * What if family travel didn’t depend on one person holding everything together? * What if everyone carried a little more ownership? * What if there was space for restoration, flexibility, and a little more room to simply enjoy the experience as it unfolds? These are the kinds of questions that are influencing the way we think about travel inside Wanderwild. Whether through our family retreats or custom travel planning services, we’re always exploring ways to create experiences that feel lighter, more connected, and more enjoyable for the whole family. If you’re planning family travel and would love support creating an experience that reflects your family’s interests, pace, and travel style, we’d love to help. Learn more here: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/hello. Links & Resources * Summer Mother–Child Retreat * Winter Mother-Child Retreat * Family Travel Planning Services * 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

    3 Family Travel Experiments I'm Trying This Summer

  3. May 5

    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

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

  4. 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

  5. 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

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

  6. 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

    Family Travel Trends for 2026: My Predictions

  7. 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

    Intuitive Parenting: 7 Things I Do When I Doubt Myself

  8. 12/30/2025

    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

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

The WandHERwild™ Podcast explores adventure, wonder, and modern motherhood from everyday life to transformational family travel around the world. Every episode explores the impact approaching life with curiosity, living outside your comfort zones, and traveling with family in tow can truly have on self development and family connections. Hosted by Monica Virga Alborno, founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats®, the show looks through the lens of her lived experience & perspectives on raising a family abroad as an American Expat of 15 years, and invites guests on the show who are also exploring life with a curious, open mind. This is a show for those who want to boldly live life to it's fullest, be authentically themselves, and embrace a wild-souled motherhood. wandherwild.substack.com

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