Tend HER Wild Podcast

We’re thrilled to welcome Faith Hunter, an acclaimed author and yogi whose transformative journey—from family challenges to emotional healing through yoga, meditation, and writing—has empowered and inspired many. Today we discuss: Faith’s developmental first decade with Mama Banks, her “second mother”, that taught ways of showing up in the world as a nurturing black woman. Growing up with tw...

In this episode we do a personal check in with each other about our past week, which included health scares for both us. In this episode we talk about: -How the body is deeply intelligent and a beautiful mirror to us and when we have symptoms, it is typically a sign that something is out of balance. -Kate shares her story about her week of medical tests looking at her heart function and what that...

Join us today as we interview Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a psychologist and expert on trauma. This is a powerful and hopeful conversation about turning toward our wounds, the power of inhabiting the body, and and the resulting compassion that emerges for ourselves and others when we do this. Today we discuss: Arielle’s early years and how she was shaped by her parent’s divorce at the age of 4. She talk...

In this episode, we talk with Ellis Elliot about creativity, caretaking, what it means when we face a “break in the field” as she did, and living in freedom. Today we discuss: The Iceland reunion! How Ellis, Kate, and Betsy met in Iceland and how this experience shaped them. How Ellis’ early years as an only child were spent mostly in solitude, and how movement, dance and writing helped Elli...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy talk about self compassion, a powerful topic that most women struggle with.  This may actually be the foundation of the Tend Her Wild podcast; two years ago the first Tend Her workshop was offered and the entire event was centered on self compassion. “Self compassion is the secret sauce of life” -Shauna Shapiro Aspects of self compassion covered today include: -Ho...

In this episode, we discuss the concept of gratitude and its role in our daily lives. We touch on the benefits of gratitude, such as increased happiness and improved relationships, as well as the concept of toxic positivity and the potential downsides of gratitude. We bring awareness to the need for balance and authenticity in practicing gratitude. In this episode we discuss: The importance of gra...

In this episode we talk with a Danish doctor about her re-wilding, why she was drawn to our podcast, and how women across the globe are feeling this pull to move toward more authenticity. Today we discuss:  Christina’s carefree and happy childhood as an only child, and when she believe she lost her inner wild during transition to school and the emergence of perfectionism. The deep impact of...

Betsy and Kate discuss their impressions of the Barbie movie, some Barbie history, and the empowerment of modern women in a patriarchal society. They highlight some powerful quotes and themes from the movie and how it resonated with them.  They also welcome some much younger guests (3 tweens ages 10 and 11) to share their impressions and inspirations. In this episode we discuss: The recently relea...

Today 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, feel heard and tell our truth? Today we discuss: -For much of history women have been silenced, ridiculed, punished, and even killed for their opinions and voices. -The wound of the patriarchy and the many reasons we have learned t...

In this episode of Tend Her Wild, hosts Betsy and Kate speak with Alyx, a passionate social entrepreneur who is bravely changing how women (AND men) think about menstruation.  Alyx’s journey led her to create the Agenda Period app, promoting cyclical awareness and body literacy while challenging societal expectations around menstruation.  This is an energizing and vibrant conversation that w...

On today’s episode we discuss female friendships and how they are both amazing and complicated. Today we discuss: Betsy and Kate’s friendship journey and how they maintain balance and honesty (spoiler alert, it’s all about communication!) The differences between men’s friendships and female friendships, and how male friendships are less fragile Is our capacity to trust and open to our our fe...

We get down to business in today’s conversation with entrepreneur, author, speaker and business advisor Andrea Belk Olson. In today’s episode we discuss: How Andrea was writing business plans as a teenager, long before she ever took a business course. Andrea’s balance of logic (from her Dad) and artistic creativity (from her Mom) that have served her well in her career. Her love of travel and the...

In this episode of the Tend Her Wild podcast, Betsy and Kate discuss the deep world of hypnosis. Hypnosis is often misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture, but it is a well researched form of deep healing that can be transformative.  They also share their personal experiences with hypnosis and the benefits they’ve observed in themselves and clients.  The episode ends with Dr Bets...

Today we are joined by Tracee Stanley, author of the best selling book, Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity and of the upcoming book The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practice and Rituals to Remember Who You Are .  We explore the transformative power of yoga nidra, its connection to the feminine, creating spaciousness, rest, and ancestral healing. Uncover the profound w...

In today’s conversation Betsy and Kate talk about women’s leadership.  Although we have talked about this in passing in many episodes, we dive into it in depth today following an event that happened in the past week.  Kate received a community leadership award, and a group of women came to support her.  This sparked discussion amongst this group about how all women are leaders and have the power t...

As women we have discovered there’s an incredible value in coming together as we heal.  Today we share some of our thoughts and observations and honor the work of the community that just came together on our recent Re-wilding retreat in Costa Rica.   Today we discuss: -The difference of community verses individual work and the power of an intergenerational community -How the vulnerability of...

Today’s conversation feels like one of the most genuine, raw conversations we have had.  We explore a common issue and yet a topic many avoid talking about: addiction.  We believe this conversation has great healing potential for our listeners, as nearly all of us know someone who is struggling or has struggled with addiction. In this conversation, we discuss: Monica’s early life as a sh...

While many of us spent years in the proverbial boxes of convention and structure, our guest today has carried the wild spirit through most of her life life, minus a period of time following trauma. Today, we talk to Kimberly Jaeger-Arjes while in Costa Rica on a yoga retreat.  We had no idea this interview was going to happen until the morning of recording.  Kimberly is  Betsy’s assistant and an i...

In today’s conversation Betsy and Kate talk about the power of therapy and share their own experiences using it as a resource to heal and clean out inner barriers. Today we discuss: -The historical stigma of mental health, therapy, psychology and how we are experiencing a shift from viewing mental health as a sign of weakness to a sign of strength and courage. -The hard work of therapy and how num...

Today we have an extraordinary conversation with a wise spiritual teacher and advocate for mothers, Suzi Lula. In this episode we discuss: -How as a child Suzi was both bright eyed and joyful, and also in the darkness of family dysfunction which has led to her deep compassion for every client, student, and mother with whom she works -Suzi’s perspective on how women will save the world from a place...

We speak with Angie Jordan, a powerful local leader who has used her background in social work, community organization, and leadership to transform her community. In this episode we discuss: -Angie’s first ten years that included the separation of her parents at two – The force of women (including her beloved Abuela) that provided energy, excitement, empowerment and adventure to Angie and he...

In today’s episode Kate and Betsy reveal the books that have touched them and made an impression in their lives.  Although difficult, they each came up with their current top 5 reads! Today we discuss: -How books show up for us at the right time -Betsy’s book addiction (she reads them all) -Stacks of books on the nightstand (see photos) -How the books mentioned today continue to affect Kate a...

Women’s athletics have been a part of Kate’s life since early on, whereas Betsy grew up involved in music and has never been drawn much to competitive sports.  However, both were drawn into the magic of Iowa women’s basketball superstar, Caitlin Clark and the experience created by the entire Iowa women’s team. In this episode we discuss: –    Why this was such a phenomenal...

Today Betsy and Kate introduce their good friend and true wild woman, Marsha Nieland. Marsha is a visionary artist and experienced yoga and meditation teacher who fosters a playful and soulful approach to creativity through her classes, workshops, and retreats. She believes that the practices of movement, art, and meditation can awaken our internal wisdom and help us tap into our highest potential...

In the last year of interviewing women (and a couple of men) on the wild woman archetype, Betsy and Kate have been on their own heroine’s journeys and have made many personal discoveries among this collective movement. We discuss: -Joseph Campbell’s definition of the Hero’s Journey in his book “The Hero With A Thousand Faces” -Maureen Murdoch, Joseph Campbell’s student, that saw the feminine journ...