My Outdoorsy Mom - Blog
Explore a variety of articles on outdoor activities, tips, and family adventures to inspire your next nature-filled experience with your kids.
Free to Fly: Hard Truths, Hopeful Parenting, and Why Strong Kids Need Strong Parents with nicole runyon
In the gripping Season 2 finale, Julianne Nienberg sits down with licensed therapist and parent coach Nicole Runyon to discuss her transformative book, Free to Fly. Together, the two unpack the biggest threats to our kids today—from screens to sleeplessness, movement deficits to over-diagnosis—and why it's time for parents to reclaim their authority, simplify their lives, and raise emotionally resilient kids.
I Bought Three Yotos in 2022 — Here’s Why I’d Buy Them Again in a Heartbeat
I bought three Yoto Players in 2022, and my kids still use them daily. Here’s why this screen-free audio player is the best Christmas gift for kids of all ages.
Restoring Movement, Grit, and Purpose: Why Kids Need Functional Fitness with Patrick Whalen, Iliad Athletics
Marine Corps veteran and founder of Iliad Athletics, Patrick Whalen, joins Julianne to unpack functional fitness, character formation through movement, outdoor PE, and how parents can raise more capable, resilient kids through purposeful physical activity.
The Nature of Rest with Eryn Lynum
Eryn Lynum, author of The Nature of Rest, joins Julianne to explore Sabbath, nature, and how even five minutes of stillness can reconnect your home to God’s design for rest.
Wildlife, Wonder & Brave Wilderness: A Conversation with Ray Tiller
This episode with wildlife filmmaker Ray Tiller is a crash course in curiosity, conservation, and childhood wonder. If your kids love Brave Wilderness or you’re looking for fresh ways to spark outdoor exploration, this one’s a must-listen.
From Balanced and Barefoot to TimberNook: Why Outdoor Play is Essential with Angela Hanscom
Angela Hanscom, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook, joins me to talk about how nature-based, child-led play is the key to healthy development—and how we’ve lost touch with it in our modern world. We discuss sensory integration, the neuroscience behind outdoor play, and what it looks like to rebuild childhood from the ground up (literally).
Why I’d Be a Terrible Full-Time RVer — and Why I Still Love RV Travel
Julianne Nienberg reflects on the dreamy, Instagram-worthy appeal of RV life… and why she prefers to rent, not live in, an RV. This honest, funny, and data-backed solo episode will resonate with outdoorsy families who love adventure andthe comfort of home.
Healing, Hiking, and Solo Mom Travel with Shaniece King
From walks during a painful season of marriage to cross-country adventures with her daughter, Shaniece’s journey into the outdoors has been one of healing, courage, and deep connection.
How We’re Navigating the Shift to Becoming a Sports Family
You can be a sports family and an outdoorsy one. This episode explores what it means to support your kids in extracurriculars without sacrificing the magic of childhood.
Airway-Centered Orthodontics and Low Tech Living: Root Cause Wellness with Dr. Maureen Kuhta
Dr. Maureen Kuhta isn’t just transforming smiles—she’s changing the way we think about kids’ health from the ground up. This conversation dives deep into airway health, orthodontics, childhood development, and low-tech parenting—all from the lens of a mom of four living on a 12-acre farm.
Nature-Based Therapy, Sensory Needs, and the Power of Outdoor Regulation
What if your child’s “behavioral issues” are actually sensory needs that no one taught you how to recognize? In this episode, pediatric OT Kim Wilson shares how nature-based therapy is changing the way we approach regulation, attention, and emotional resilience—starting in the woods, not a waiting room.
Family-Friendly Louisville, KY: My Solo Trip With 3 Kids Under 5
Planning a family trip to Louisville with toddlers or preschoolers? Here’s what we did, what worked (and what didn’t), and why this vibrant, walkable city is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure with kids—even if you’re braving it solo like I did!
Reclaiming Childhood Independence with Technology: An Interview with Russell York, CEO of Cosmo
In this episode of The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast, I’m joined by Russell York, founder and CEO of Cosmo, a family-first tech company helping parents nurture more outdoor independence and connection in the digital age. As a 90s kid turned new dad, Russell grew up biking the neighborhood until the streetlights came on—and now he’s on a mission to bring that kind of childhood back with tools like the Cosmo JrTrack 5 smartwatch.
Singing in the Wild with Sara Ernst of Wild Pickle Press
In this season 1 finale, Julianne interviews Sara Ernst — the creative behind Wild Pickle Press — who shares how songs, poetry, and imagination can make nature accessible and meaningful for every family.
10 Reasons Why Your Kids Need to Be Bored This Summer
We’re officially halfway through summer—and if your kids are anything like mine, the phrase “I’m bored” has come up a few times
. But what if boredom isn’t something to fix? What if it’s something to welcome?
Homeschool Curious? How Outdoor Play, Community, and One Mom’s Pivot Sparked a Movement | Morgan Bergstrom, Basecamped
What happens when a burned-out corporate recruiter has a vision for something different—something more connected, flexible, and outdoorsy? She builds it herself. Meet Morgan Bergstrom, founder of the Basecamped app, in this inspiring conversation about family rhythms, homeschool curiosity, and the beauty of not doing it alone.
Our Favorite Upper Peninsula Spots for Summer Family Travel
Looking to explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with your kids? In this episode of The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast, Julianne shares her favorite UP destinations, RV camping tips, and family memories that will inspire your next trip north.
Nourishing Families Naturally with Holly Renee Overcashier, elderwise organics
Nourishing our families can be simple, nature-based, and deeply healing. In this touching conversation, Holly invites us to listen to our bodies and intuition, nourish through whole foods, and remember how joyful and natural outdoor living truly is.
The Secret to a Happier Summer: Rhythm, Not Routine (and What’s Working For Us So Far)
Looking for ways to make summer with kids feel less chaotic and more connected? In this episode, I’m sharing what’s working (and what’s not) during our first week of summer — including simple systems, swim team surprises, and the mindset shift that’s saving my sanity.
Real-Life Family Travel Tips from Midwest Travel Mama
In this episode of The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast, I’m joined by Kristen Keeler—mom of three and creator of Midwest Travel Mama. Kristen shares how her family went from backyard play to exploring hidden Midwest gems through road trips and affordable adventures. Whether you’re new to family travel or looking to make the most of weekends and school breaks, you’ll love her practical tips and encouragement.