Tend HER Wild Podcast

We reflect today on the various emotions people are currently feeling post-election, and turn toward four different wise nuggets from the Wild Woman Archetype that can provide hope and guidance during these tumultuous times. In today’s episode we explore the following quotes from “Women Who Run With the Wolves” by Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estes: “There is a very hidden aspect to most collectives that e...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy interview Dr. Lauren Welter about her personal and professional experience with domestic abuse. Dr. Lauren is a survivor and mental health professional who is helping women navigate this complex topic of domestic abuse. In today’s episode we discuss:     Lauren’s first 10 years and how her natural born leadership got snuffed out early. She shares her traumatic exp...

This episode was recorded at Blue Spirit in Nosara, Costa Rica while on retreat.  We were lucky to share the retreat center that week with world renowned yoga teacher Rod Stryker.  We had a chance to sit down together for an hour to talk about yoga, meditation, the Divine Feminine, and Rod’s journey.   Rod will be in Iowa City with us this fall for a yoga workshop so we’re excited to introduce him...

In today’s episode we talk about navigating fear and “life quakes”.  A life quake is a term defined by author Bruce Fellar in his book “ Life is in the Transitions”. He defines a life quake is a massive life disruption. In this episode we discuss: -Kate’s life quake of an empty nest and how she’s been anticipating and preparing for this time in her life. -How caregiving is shifting to our aging  p...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy interview Rachel Yoder, author of the book NIghtbitch, which has been adapted to film and will be released this December starring Amy Adams.  Today we explore the challenges of motherhood, feminine rage, women delaying their greatness, and the fear of disruption. In today’s episode we discuss:  Rachel’s early years growing up in an Amish/Mennonite family in Ohio,...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy interview writer Dr. Sharon Blackie, an award-winning and internationally bestselling author, and a psychologist with a background in mythology and folklore.  Today we talk about her book  Hagitude  and the art of reimagining the second half of life. In today’s episode we discuss:  Sharon’s early years in a poor environment in the Northeast of England amidst the s...

We talk to 2 amazing performance artists who recently created an original dance/theatre piece called “Chalk” that portrays much of what they both went through in their individual journeys of infertility and miscarriage.  Women experiencing challenges with child bearing often feel a range of feelings, including shame, which too often makes this topic unspoken.  Today we speak about it. In today’s e...

We had so much fun catching up with Dasia in the last episode that we kept her on for another episode to talk about 18 more updates of past people we’ve interviewed. Lissie Maurus (Episode 4)  –  Lissie, the singer/songwriter of our theme song, started acting and has appeared on  Louder Milk  . She is also getting married soon and of course is still rocking the stage with gigs coming up in N...

Amazing things have unfolded for so many of our guests. This is especially true for 21-year-old inventor Dasia Taylor, who sat down to fill us in on all the cool stuff she has been doing since our first interview in  Episode 35. In today’s episode we: Hear about all the adventures Dasia has experienced since her ground breaking science fair invention of color changing stitches that put her on  the...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy speak to Rebecca Sanabria who they interviewed in episode 6.  In the 3 years since their last conversation, Rebecca made a big move and began to bravely step out from behind the camera and own her expertise about helping people show up better. In today’s episode we discuss: Rebecca’s recent revelation that she is on expert on showing up better, and how this meant...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy dive into a deeper exploration of our personal shadow, and why doing internal shadow work to reclaim the parts of self we have disconnected from may be one of the most effective ways to reach more of our potential. Today we discuss: What exactly is our personal shadow? Do we all have a shadow?  Is our shadow all bad, dark stuff? Perfectionism and how it is actuall...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy interview actress and author Dolores Reynals, a true woman of the world.  Dolores’ fascinating life circling the globe and her commitment to her inner voice no matter the naysayers shows us yet another version of the wild woman. In today’s episode we discuss: Dolores’ traumatic entry into this world and how medical staff believed she would die, but she kept crying...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy interview local author Nina Lohman about her new book “The Body Alone: A Lyrical Articulation of Chronic Pain”.  We talk about Nina’s 20 year relationship to pain in the form of headaches, and the power of telling her story. In today’s episode we discuss: How as a child Nina was curious, quiet, calm, and happy and that her first 10 years were filled with a lot of...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy reflect on the current energy of these times where women are coming out to support a woman running for president.  We talk about how this relates to the wild woman and the timing/cycles that suggest we are in a powerful shift right now. In today’s episode we discuss: How within 2 days of Kamala’s presidential announcement black women organized a zoom call in suppo...

In today’s episode we celebrate Betsy’s arrival in her 50th decade and all the feels this has brought to the surface.  Kate shares her advice and encouragement. In today’s episode we talk about: Betsy’s sense of foreboding leading up to the actual day and the fear of “what if I am not living well?” Why a new dedication to self feels like it is already emerging for Betsy, and Kate’s similar experie...

Today we interview Wendy Hummell, a seasoned law enforcement officer in Wichita, Kansas who after 25 years is now providing wellness resources to law enforcement officers to help them thrive in their work. We talk about surviving in a masculine profession, perfectionism, and the toll the career in law enforcement took on her wellbeing.  Wendy shares the trauma she experienced when having premature...

In today’s episode we have a conversation that has been looming for months: our children leaving for college in just a few short weeks.  Kate has been preparing herself as she has done this 2 other times, whereas Betsy is going in blind not knowing what to expect.  This leads into a broader conversation of grief, witnessing each other, and why we are sick of finding a silver lining. In today’s epi...

Today we interview Roxanne Erdahl, a wise friend to both Betsy and Kate. In this conversation, Roxanne brings the truth bombs and admits that her crone wisdom comes from pain. We talk about all the many “lives” she has lived, and glean deep insights from her stories of adaptability and life purpose. Today we discuss: Roxanne’s early years where her family constantly moved, teaching her the need fo...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy reveal MORE books that have touched them and made an impression in their lives.  They first talked about favorite books in episode 63. In today’s episode they each share 5 more that they love and often recommend to people. They share their experiences and learnings surrounding these books and memories of when and where they were when they read them. Betsy’s Top 5...

Today we are releasing one of our most listened to podcast episodes with Arielle Schwartz “Awakening the Spiritual Heart”.  Betsy recently ran into Arielle at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam of all places!  Dr. Schwartz just released a new book called “Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga” and has been teaching workshops related to it in Europe in this past month.  Check out her new book and listen t...

Today while we are taking some time off, we are re-releasing a favorite episode on women finding their voice. It is so important that we support one another to speak up and speak out. Our voices are needed at every table. In this episode, we talk about the process of finding your voice.  Why is it hard for us to use our voice?  What are the stories around it and what do we do to speak up, be heard...

We are here again with special guest, Margaret McCaffery (it’s her birthday today!) for part two of this memorable interview.  Margaret shares her journey of motherhood and her passion as an advocate for cancer research and awareness. Today we discuss: Margaret’s law school experience that included a wedding on Independence Day, the cancer diagnosis of her father in law, and a new baby. The honor...

We are here today with special guest, Margaret McCaffery. Margaret claims University of Iowa’s coach Fran McCaffery as her husband, but is a legend in her own right. We are happy to spend a little time with Margaret on her birthday and share part one of Margaret’s story. Today we discuss: Margaret’s birth story in the wilds of Zambia Africa 54 years ago, as her parents were teachers at a remote sc...

This episode was recorded at Blue Spirit in Nosara, Costa Rica while on retreat.  We were lucky to share the retreat center that week with world renowned yoga teacher Rod Stryker.  We had a chance to sit down together for an hour to talk about yoga, meditation, the Divine Feminine, and Rod’s journey.   Rod will be in Iowa City with us this fall for a yoga workshop so we’re excited to introduce him...

Today we speak with Deb Dunkhase, a champion for children, service, and community building.  This power-house of a woman totally blew us away with her perspectives, vitality, and deep heart for giving to others. “Change in the world happens one small act of kindness at a time” -Deb Today we discuss: Deb grew up on a farm, the oldest of 5 children, with plenty of adventures, responsibilities, and t...