Run Wild My Child Podcast

In this episode, I’m recapping our 10-day spring break road trip through Western Montana, where we skied three very different mountains, stayed in cozy cabins and ski-in/ski-out lodging, chased fresh powder, went dog sledding, soaked in hot springs, and learned a lot along the way about what actually works when traveling with kids.
I’m sharing the details of our itinerary, why Montana in late winter is such a sweet spot for families, what made each stop unique, and the lessons we learned that I’d absolutely carry into our next ski trip. This is a real-life, no-gatekeeping recap about what went well, what surprised us, and why Montana completely stole our hearts.
And stay until the end, because I’m bringing on my daughter to give her honest, unfiltered kid perspective on the trip...what she loved, what stood out to her, and what actually mattered from her point of view.
If you’re considering a winter or spring break adventure with your kids and want inspiration that feels doable, not intimidating, this episode will give you a clear picture of what a Montana family ski trip can really look like.
Blog Posts:
10-Day Montana Road Trip with Kids
Which NW Montana Ski Resort is Best for Your Family
Other Resouces:
Visit Montana
Western Montana's Glacier Country

In this episode, Sara is joined by Jamie Wagner, mom of two, outdoor enthusiast, travel lover, and founder of A to Z Adventures. Jamie is passionate about helping families say “yes” to adventure, whether that means a cross-country road trip or a simple walk around the neighborhood. We chat all about how to make outdoor time and travel more accessible, less intimidating, and a lot more fun, no matter what season of parenting you’re in.
Jamie opens up about what it was like to adventure with babies, the inspiration behind her versatile travel-friendly baby play mat, and the reality of balancing business, motherhood, and creative dreams. We talk about how travel has evolved as her kids have grown, what it means to lay a strong foundation for outdoor play, and how our expectations of family adventures don’t always match reality (and that’s okay!).
If you’ve ever struggled with logistics, gear choices, or feeling overwhelmed by the idea of traveling with kids, this conversation is packed with practical tips, encouragement, and real-mom perspective to help you feel more empowered to get out the door and explore.
A to Z Adventure Gear:
Website: www.atozadventuregear.com
Instagram: @atozadventuregear
Amazon link
Resources:
Packing Lists & Mini Adventures
Happy Campers Guide
RWMC:
Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild

In this deliciously fun episode, Sara is joined by Lydia Gwin, a St. Louis-based culinary instructor, travel advisor, mom of two, and the creative force behind Gwin’s Tiny Kitchen.
Lydia has built a career around helping kids (and adults!) connect the dots between food, science, culture, and travel. She teaches hands-on cooking classes to all ages, hosts camps, curates immersive culinary trips, and shares practical, family-friendly ways to make mealtime more meaningful and adventurous.
Together, Sara and Lydia dive into:
 🍴 How & why to get kids involved in the cooking process
 🔥 Tips for cooking with kids at the campsite or outdoors
 🥘 Favorite kid-friendly recipes and camping meals
 🌍 How to use food while traveling to teach kids about different cultures
 🥒 What to do about picky eaters—both at home and on the road
 🧳 How to find family-friendly food experiences when traveling
 …plus Lydia shares a sneak peek into her exciting upcoming culinary tours!
Whether you’re a campfire cooking rookie, a tired parent with picky eaters, or a food-loving family looking to explore the world through your tastebuds, this episode is packed with practical tips, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.

Gwin's Tiny Kitchen
Website: www.gwinstinykitchen.com
Instagram: @gwinstinykitchen
Lydia's Travel: @gwinstravelingkitchen

Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild

Lydia's Recommendations:
Children's Silver Spoon Italy
Priya's Kitchen Adventures Cookbook for Kids
Modern Proper Cookbook
The Lost Kitchen Cookbook
Six Seasons Cookbook

In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Sara chats with new Creative Team contributor Calen Caple to discuss her debut article in the SPLASH issue of Run Wild My Child Magazine, titled "Ditch the Mom Bod Guilt." Calen opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum body image, the internal pressure so many moms face to “bounce back,” and the pivotal moment on a beach with her daughter that changed everything. Together, we unpack the mental load of mom guilt, the power of presence, and how outdoor adventures help shift our focus from insecurity to connection. This conversation is real, relatable, and full of encouragement for any mom who’s ever struggled to feel confident in her own skin.
Calen's Instagram: @andyetafraid
Substack: Calen Caple
Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild

In this episode, Sara's joined by the wildly creative Sara Ernst, musician, poet, nature-loving mama, and the heart behind Wild Pickle Press. We dive into the magic of using music and poetry to connect kids with the natural world and spark curiosity about the creatures around them (especially bugs… which we both happen to love). We chat about the creative process, how songwriting and storytelling can be powerful tools for teaching kids to appreciate and protect nature, and why she believes empowering children through the arts is just as important as letting them dig in the dirt. Sara also shares the inspiration behind her brand-new book Poetry for the Wild & Curious Ones, a beautiful collection designed to ignite wonder, joy, and a sense of wildness in readers of all ages.
Wild Pickle Press Website: www.wildpicklepress.com
Instagram: @wildpicklepress
Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Sara's Recommendation:
Bug Viewer