Run Wild My Child Podcast

2024 Year in Review - Professional & Personal Jan 08, 2025

Sara McCarty, founder of Run Wild My Child, is mixing things up and taking a look back at 2024—celebrating the wins and learning from the challenges. Sara shares the business highs of the year, like launching three issues of the Run Wild My Child magazine in print, some incredible travel adventures, and the honor of winning the People’s Choice for Best Online Publication.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Sara also opens up about the struggles of running a small business—especially with the membership, social media, sales, and balancing screen time with green time. This episode is full of reflections, celebrations, lessons learned, and changes for 2025. Grab a cozy spot and join us as we recap the year that was and look ahead to the adventures to come!
Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Sara's Instagram: @sara_mccarty
Book recommendations:
The Covenant of Water
Gone with the Wind
The Women
Braiding Sweetgrass
Thursday Murder Club

Create Your Own Outdoor Family Challenge Dec 27, 2024

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of outdoor challenges and how they can inspire families to prioritize time outside. As we head into a new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to set some meaningful goals, and there’s no one better to talk about this than Amy Bushatz, founder of the Humans Outside 365 challenge.

Amy’s challenge—spending at least 20 minutes outside every day, no matter the weather—has not only transformed her life but also served as a model for countless others looking to connect with nature regularly. She’s been going strong for over seven years, and is the perfect person to chat with about setting challenges, overcoming obstacles, and picking the right challenge for your family.
Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Amy's Instagram: @humansoutside
Humans Outside 365 Challenge
Discovering the Joy of Family Challenges

Highlights from Outdoor Media Summit in Missoula Oct 30, 2024

In this solo recap episode, Run Wild My Child founder Sara McCarty dives into her recent experience at the Outdoor Media Summit (OMS) in Missoula, Montana, sharing highlights from the event and the local adventure scene. Activities include llama trekking, hiking, and fly fishing on the Blackfoot River.

Moving into the OMS experience, Sara breaks down the exciting “new gear speed dating” session, spotlighting standout innovations (which would make great gifts) from a few of our favorite top outdoor brands. She also covers hot topics in the outdoor industry, including the resurgence of print media.

The episode concludes with a special announcement of Run Wild My Child’s People's Choice Award win for Best Online Publication of 2023, celebrating the publication’s achievements and community support.
Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Sara's Instagram: @sara_mccarty
Destination Missoula
Glacier Country Montana
Swan Mountain Outfitters
Double Arrow Lodge
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Outdoor Media Summit
Coast
Yeti
Simms
Patagonia
Nemo
Osprey
Roofspace

How to Manage Youth Sports as an Outdoor Family Sep 19, 2024

In this episode, we cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of youth sports. We chat about the elusive balance between organized sports and outdoor free play, the time and cost commitments of participating in youth sports, tips for juggling busy schedules, and why, despite the madness, we choose to participate at all! Whether you’re currently navigating the complexities of your child’s sports schedules or if you’re just curious about how youth sports work these day, this episode is going to be packed with real-life stories, advice, stuggles, and strategies to help you and your family figure this all out.

For this episode, co-host Michelle Garrett interviews three moms from the Run Wild My Child team, who all have kids involved in youth sports. Run Wild My Child founder and mom of three, Sara McCarty, California working mom of three, Araceli Gonzalez, and homeschooling mom of two, Nichole Holze.
Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Sara's Instagram: @sara_mccarty
Araceli's Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
Nichole's Instagram: @coleyraeh

Connecting with Nature Through Change, Travel, and Photography with Wendy Cox Aug 22, 2024

Wendy Cox is a photographer, gardening instructor, and mom of four. Her family recently moved from San Diego to Virginia. Wendy talks about how she uses nature to ground and connect her children through the changes and transition from moving across the country, how she beautifully captures kids connecting with nature through photography, and how travel can help kids make real-life connections with what they learn in school.
Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Wendy's Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
Recommendation: Go Pro Black 12
Wendy's Posts:
Exploring California Redwoods
Hiking Havasupai with Kids
Outer Banks with Kids

First Time International Travel with Kids Apr 30, 2024

In this episode, we discuss everything parents need to know when planning their first international trip with kids. Co-host Michelle Garrett is planning her first international trip with kids. She speaks with RWMC founder Sara McCarty (who just took her kids to Belize) and Travel Expert Jen Barnes (@gofamilyadventure) about topics such as how to pick an international destination, what documentation you need when traveling internationally with kids, budgeting tips for traveling as a family, choosing outdoor excursions and adventures for the whole family, and more!
Coco Beach Resort - 40% off discount for trip through August 2024
Use the code RUNWILDMYCHILD
RWMC post: Exploring Belize with Kids
Run Wild My Child Magazine
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Jen's Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Jen's website: Go Family Adventure

Nature School with Laura Stroup Jan 17, 2024

Laura Stroup is a mom of 3, nature study creator, author, podcaster, and founder of School of the Wild. Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology with an emphasis in natural resource education. A former wildlife conservation educator and upper school science teacher, she loves traveling, hiking, and reading. Laura talks with us about her nature school and resources, her new book and podcast, getting teens outside, and so much more!
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Laura's website: www.fireflynatureschool.com
Laura's Instagram: @fireflynatureschool
Laura's book (affil link): Nature School
Laura's podcast: WILD Mysteries
Digital magazine: WILD Mag
Nature school: School of the Wild
How to Use a Pocket Microscope with Kids

Literary Outdoor Adventures with Emily Liebel Nov 26, 2023

Emily Liebel, mom of three, runs an Instagram account called @inclusivelibrary, where she uses books to educate, promote inclusion, understanding, justice, and inspire adventure and creativity. Emily loves showing families how reading and being outdoors can overlap in exciting ways! She currently lives in Utah and explores both mountain and city outdoor spaces weekly with her kids and friends and attends library story times, as well as leads a local story time. Emily’s here to chat with us about how literature and libraries can help busy families get outside in a variety of creative ways.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Emily's Instagram: @inclusivelibrary
Posts:
How Public Libraries Can Help Families Get Outside
Spring & Summer Book & Activity Pairings
Fall & Winter Book & Activity Pairings
Emily's recommendation:
Sunday Funday by Katherine Halligan

Humans Outside Challenge with Amy Bushatz Dec 27, 2022

Amy Bushatz is an outdoor enthusiast and mom to two boys in Anchorage, Alaska. An accomplished reporter and editor, in 2017, Amy redirected her talents to a passion project known as Humans Outside, a movement to spend at least 20 minutes outside, every day. She hosts the Humans Outside podcast, which is all about her personal experiences of spending time outside, as well as travel, adventure, and outdoor living! Amy talks with us about the challenge, what it takes to be an adventurous mom in Alaska, and what getting outside every day has done for her and her family.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Humans Outside website: www.humansoutside.com
Use the code WILDCHILD for 20% off your purchase!
Humans Outside Instagram: @humansoutside
Amy's recommendations:
Tranquility by Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam

Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy Kids Dec 01, 2022

Sara & Michelle chat about the upcoming holiday gift-giving season and share their recommendations for the best gifts for outdoorsy kids. Gift categories include outdoor adventure gear, outdoor games, backyard toys, classic toys, experience gifts, hands-on nature STEM gifts, gifts for older kids and teens, family gifts, memberships and subscription boxes, and so much more!
For info on each of the products discussed, links to purchase, and lots more ideas, download our FREE gift guide: https://runwildmychild.com/gift-guide-pdf/
Gift Guide 2022
Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy Kids
Outdoor Toys that Promote Creative Play
Experience Gifts for Outdoor Kids
Best Backyard Toys for Kids
Gifts for Outdoor Moms
Favorite Educational Nature Books for Kids
Best Balance Bikes for Toddlers
Favorite Bike Accessories for Kids
Wonder Club Explorers - use the code BEMERRY for 30% off your purchase
Teen Gift Guide from Jen @gofamilyadventure

The Importance of Nature, Wonder & Friendship with Elizabeth Newcamp Nov 15, 2022

Elizabeth Newcamp is a Colorado-based homeschooling mom of three boys. She is the co-host of Slate's Parenting Podcast Mom And Dad Are Fighting and author of the expat travel and parenting blog, Dutch Dutch Goose. Elizabeth loves the outdoors and has a passion for engaging her children within the world around them. She’s here with us today to talk about travel, outdoor adventures, parenting advice, and friendship.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Elizabeth's website: www.dutchdutchgoose.com
Elizabeth Instagram: @ejdn
Mom & Dad Are Fighting
Elizabeth's recommendations:
The Lost Spells
Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature

Adventuring with Medically Complex Kids with Meghan Garriott Sep 12, 2022

Meghan Garriott is a Physical Therapy Assistant, photographer, and mom of 3 in rural central Illinois. At nine days old, Meghan's oldest son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), meaning he was born without an immune system. Meghan donated her bone marrow and saved his life. In order to protect a compromised immune system, their family turned to nature and began spending a lot of time outdoors, which has been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive. She chats with us about adventuring outdoors with a medically-complex child.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Meghan's Instagram: @meghangarriott
Tips for Getting Outside with Medically-Complex Kids
Be The Match
Recommendations:
Printable State Parks Posters

Embracing Change with Tiana Kubik Aug 05, 2022

Tiana Kubik is a nomadic mom of two, currently residing in Austin, Texas. A city girl through and through, Tiana has not always been thrilled with outdoor adventures. However, after learning the importance of nature and play through earning a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education she’s learning to embrace the outdoors and all that nature has to offer. Tiana and her husband run a photography business, she's a freelance writer, and she homeschools their kids, often while on the road. They spent the last few years traveling in a DIY Converted Sprinter Van across North America. Tiana chats with us about her travels, the shift to homeschooling, exploring new places, and how to embrace the changes and curveballs life throws our way.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Tiana's Instagram: @usalongtheway
Embracing the Outdoors When You're Not Outdoorsy
Importance of Storytelling through Photography
Finding Urban Nature with Kids
{affiliate link}
Recommendation: The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired by Daniel J. Siegel MD

Weekend Warrior with Araceli Gonzalez Jul 11, 2022

Araceli Gonzalez is a full-time working mom of three. She and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond for the outdoors and a sense of adventure. As working parents, they accomplish this by being weekend warriors. That’s when they take the family on long weekend adventures camping, hiking, crabbing, fishing, beaching, and road-tripping as a family. Araceli talks with us about planning weekend adventures as a working mom, how to make time for travel and adventure around busy family schedules, how a camping challenge started this all, and tips for finding unique destinations for the whole family.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Araceli Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
Camp Like A Champ - Beginner's Guide to Camping with Kids Digital Guide

Learning about Local Nature & Conservation with Lissy Perna Apr 06, 2022

Lissy Perna is the go-to resource for all kid-friendly things to do outside on Cape Cod. Any given day, you can usually find info in her Instagram feed and stories about nature discoveries on the beach, in the woods, or on the trails. She loves identifying plants, fungi, insects, and animals, as well as finding sea glass and learning about the history of her area. She's also passionate about local conservation efforts and how we can all make a difference through our actions. We talk to Lissy about how to become more informed about the nature and wildlife in your local area and why sharing the message about conservation efforts is so important.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Lissy's Instagram: @getoutsidecapecod
Lissy's website: www.getoutsidecapecod.com

Get Out Guide: Cape Cod
Whale Watching with Kids
Recommendations:

A Photographic Guide to Seashore Life in the North Atlantic: Canada to Cape Cod by J. Duane Sept

Mountaineering & Backpacking with RyAnn Peverly Mar 14, 2022

RyAnn Peverley is a Washington mom of four kids between the ages of 6 and 21. RyAnn works as a youth program instructor for Mountaineers.org, as well as an outdoor adventure guide for a local army base where she leads army families on outdoor adventures. RyAnn chats with us about raising children and teenagers who love the outdoors, mountaineering, climbing, how to get started backpacking, and more!
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
RyAnn's Instagram: @mountain_mama4
RyAnn's blog: www.mountainmama4.com
A Mom's Guide to Backpacking with Kids
Kid-Friendly Hiking Snacks
Recommendations:

Outdoor Schools & Gear with Alyssa Marsh of Outdoor School Shop Feb 15, 2022

Co-founder of Outdoor School Shop and Minnesota mom of 2, Alyssa Marsh joins us to chat about outdoor schools and outdoor kids gear. We discuss the various types of outdoor education (farm schools, forest schools, nature preschools, etc.), what they teach, how to find an outdoor school near you, and what kids need (gear-wise) to spend so much time outside. Outdoor School Shop is the premier online destination for education materials and gear for outdoor schools, featuring brands like Reima, Bogs, Smartwool, Muddy Puddles, and Polarn O. Pyret. ODSS is also the flagship sponsor for our first annual nationwide Run Wild My Child Treasure Hunt, coming to a city near you on April 2nd. Listen to the episode for more details!
Register for the Treasure Hunt: www.runwildmychild.com/treasurehunt
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Outdoor School Shop website: www.outdoorschoolshop.com
Outdoor School Shop Instagram: @outdoorschoolshop
Introduction to outdoor schools
Outdoor School Directory

Family Homesteading with Leslie Alvis Dec 08, 2021

Leslie Alvis is an Ohio homeschooling and homesteading mom of four. Her family recently purchased property in the country and they are beginning the process of building a homestead from the ground up, doing most of the work themselves, along with their children. They're not only building their home with lumber milled from their own property, but raising animals, growing a garden, battling poison ivy, and teaching their children the importance of hard work, family time, and outdoor play. Leslie's also a photographer and freelance writer. She's written numerous posts for the RWMC website (listed below) on animals, outdoor activities, and life on a farm.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Leslie's Instagram: @c_l_allofus
Leslie's RWMC posts:

Overcoming Grief with Nature with Somer Pickel Oct 12, 2021

Somer Pickel is a RN and Tennessee mom of two girls. Her first daughter Avie was born with severe congenital heart defects and spent the majority of her 18 months of life in an ICU. Nature has been a huge part of the grieving and healing process for her and her husband. They found solace in the outdoors by backpacking a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Their second daughter Lyra has become quite the adventure buddy and together, Somer and Lyra have hiked over 2000 miles. Somer chats with us about her motherhood journey, the importance of mental health, the joy of raising toddlers, and the healing power of nature.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Somer's Instagram: @somerpickel
Recommended reading: How to Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson
Somer's RWMC post: Discovering the Wonders of Salamanders with Kids

Outdoor Adventures with Teens & Tweens with Jen Barnes Sep 23, 2021

We're chatting with Jen Barnes, South Carolina mom of 3 teenagers. Jen specializes in helping parents plan and book adventure travel trips with their teens and tweens. She knows firsthand the importance of giving teenagers the space to take risks, learn important skills and discover themselves through outdoor adventure and travel. Jen gives parents of teens helpful tips on how to choose and implement the perfect vacation for everyone in your family.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Jen's Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Jen's Website: www.thegofamilyadventure.com
Recommended reading: How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
Jen's RWMC post: Teaching Map Reading Skills to Kids

New Adventures & Nonprofits with Zenovia Stephens Sep 14, 2021

Co-hosts Sara McCarty and Michelle Garrett talk to Alabama mom of 3, Zenovia Stephens. Zenovia is founder of the non-profit organization Black Kids Adventures, Inc. an organization that focuses on getting Black and Brown families to spend time together in nature. Zenovia shares her passion behind her mission, how she's using her strengths to inspire families to try new things and redefine what it means to be "outdoorsy." She's also sharing a few of her favorite outdoor adventures around the Huntsville, Alabama area and the story behind how she accidentally fell in love with her state.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Zenovia's Instragam: @blackadventurecrew
Nonprofit: @blackkidsadventures
Website: Black Adventure Crew
Zenovia's RWMC post: Outdoor Movie Night With Kids

Dads Outdoors with Matthew Marvich Sep 08, 2021

We're back and we're chatting with outdoorsy single dad Matthew Marvich. Matthew and his 4-year old son are quite the adventure duo. Together they love hiking, chasing waterfalls, exploring new parks, and playing golf. Matthew is committed to encouraging and inspiring dads everywhere to get their kids involved in what they love to do. On the show, he speaks to the importance of dads planning outdoor adventures with their kids and gives tips on how dads can gain the confidence needed to make those plans a reality.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Matthew's Instagram: @matthew_marvich
Matthew's post: How to Get Started Golfing with Kids

Outdoor Adventures & Photography with Kristen Ryan Feb 03, 2021

This week we chat with Kristen Ryan, an Oklahoma photographer, wife, and mother of two. You can usually find her family camping, climbing, hiking, or mountain biking together. They’re working on their goal of visiting all of the Oklahoma state parks and are over halfway there! Kristen is an instructor and mentor at Hello Storyteller and she's currently in her 7th year of doing a 365 project. She loves to use photography to document her family’s outdoor adventures in creative ways. She’s here talking with us about how to incorporate photography into your everyday life and outdoor adventures so you have beautiful visual reminders of all those amazing memories.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Kristen's Instagram: @kristcx
Tips for Photographing Family Hikes
Year in the Life 365 Course

Outdoor Safety & First Aid with Ashley Greenhalgh Jan 27, 2021

This week we talk to Ashley Greenhalgh a Nevada mom of two about outdoor safety and first aid. Ashley is an RN certified in Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She’s passionate about outdoor education for parents and kids has written multiple articles for our website about hiking safety and how to teach first aid to kids. She’s here today to talk to us about being safe and prepared when adventuring outdoors with kids and ways you can give your kids first aid skills and know-how to handle sticky situations.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Ashley's Instagram: @sage.and.summit
Website posts:
Teaching First Aid to Kids
Hiking Safety & First Aid
Ashley's recommendations:
CPR classes

Raising Eco-Conscious Kids with Chelsea Furlong Jan 21, 2021

This week we speak with Chelsea Furlong, a Virginia Beach photographer, former teacher, and homeschooling mom of two about raising eco-conscious kids. Chelsea is committed to reducing her carbon footprint and raising kids that care for our planet. Every week they spend a day picking up litter, plastic and cleaning up the beaches in their area. Chelsea talks about how we can raise kids that are good stewards of nature and small things that all of us can do to make a difference.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Chelsea's Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Chelsea's website: www.chelsealyn.photography

How to Be an Adventure Mom with Nichole Holze Jan 14, 2021

This week, we chat with Nichole Holze, an Arkansas mom of 2 and self-proclaimed adventurer! She has been known to take off for multi-day road trips, overnight canoe trips, and other epic adventures at nearly a moment’s notice. Many of these adventures are done solo with her kids. She's passionate about empowering moms to get out and explore safely with their kids. She's here today to talk with us about how moms can safely go on more adventures with their kids and how to be responsibly brave.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Nichole Blog: Luckey Wanderers
Nichole Instagram: @coleyraeh
Nichole's Recommendations:
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Adventuring Together by Greta Eskridge

Exploring Outdoors in the City with Desiree Macke Jan 06, 2021

This week, Los Angeles (and now Kansas City) mom of 2, Desiree Macke speaks with us about the challenges of getting outside and into nature when you live in a city. Desiree provides helpful ideas and creative ways to find green places in cities and provides a few fun outdoor activities for city kids. We also discuss how to find local gems when you're new to a city and her son's favorite outdoor city activity, geocaching.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Desiree Instagram: @desireemacke
Cooling Rack Confections: @coolingrackconfections
Desiree's recommendations:

Relay Go
National Parks Passport
Geocaching app

Mental Health and Nature with Tiffany Griffin Dec 27, 2020

This week, Tiffany Griffin, Texas photographer and homeschooling mom of four, speaks with us about the importance of taking care of your kids' mental health and how you can do that with nature. And it's not just kids that benefit from spending time outside, it's good for moms too! Plus, we chat about postpartum self-care and tips for getting outdoors with a baby.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Tiffany Instagram: @dear.wildlings
Tiffany recommendations: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Working Mom Balance with Michelle Garrett Dec 27, 2020

This week, Michelle Garrett, full-time working mom, and entrepreneur, talks about how to balance outdoor time with kids while working outside the home. Her job as a civic leader inspired her to create a company called Wonder Club Explorers, which helps inspire wonder and curiosity in little kids by allowing them to earn merit patches and pennants for outdoor activities.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Wonder Club Explorers website: www.wonderclubexplorers.co
Wonder Club Explorers Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Michelle's Recommendation: Cabinet of Curiosities: Collecting and Understanding the Wonders of the Natural World by Gordon Grice

RV Life & Roadschooling with Katie Fox Dec 27, 2020

This week we're talking to Katie Fox, a full-time roadschooling mom of two about her travels and outdoor adventures. Katie gives us a sneak peek into life on the road in a tiny home on wheels, her favorite destinations so far and future travel plans. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into her new state-specific travel guides, designed to get kids informed and excited about visiting new states.
RWMC website: www.runwildmychild.com
RWMC Instagram: @runwild.mychild
Katie website: www.familyinwanderland.com
Katie Instagram: @familyinwanderland
Wanderland Travel Guides: www.etsy.com/shop/familyinwanderland
Recommendation: Camp (the game)

Trailer: Introducing The Run Wild My Child Podcast Dec 27, 2020

Podcast host and founder of Run Wild My Child, Sara McCarty introduces the show and touches on the importance of getting outside with kids.
Website: www.runwildmychild.com
Instagram: @runwild.mychild

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