She Left a Fortune 500 Career For Motherhood || Monica Viga Alborno of Wanderwild Retreats

She Left a Fortune 500 Career For Motherhood || Monica Viga Alborno of Wanderwild Retreats

QUICK LINKS 📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner https://shorturl.at/bbzm7 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmtsUVIyX1VNdE1RTjg1NjRaZ0ZiMlBYUTlxUXxBQ3Jtc0ttYkJKODhES18yd05JSWtKalQ2d3VYeDZoT2Juc1l6VXJ4aFR1X3FEb0s4NnR4a0lBWU9vWGxrRUlWSnYyTm1jbl80cTZjMDIzS25YUEdoYmFwZVV5YlVET1hrUTFqbmRSZGNRVXhtZ3RjOGowWDBKNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fshorturl.at%2Fbbzm7&v=8_jPhFOcZEQ] ☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support [https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support] SHE LEFT A FORTUNE 500 CAREER FOR MOTHERHOOD What happens when motherhood completely changes the direction of your life? In this episode, I chat with Monica Virga Alborno, founder of Wandherwild Family Retreats, about how she left a successful career in the oil industry to create family wellness retreats where children are not simply accommodated; they're part of the experience. We explore the realities of modern motherhood, birth trauma, building community, family travel and what it means to create a slower, more intentional life. Monica also shares how years working in a global Fortune 500 company shaped her leadership, why she believes children benefit from experiencing wellness alongside their parents, and even gives us an insider's look at the world of oil and global economics. If you've ever wondered whether motherhood can completely reshape your priorities, this conversation is full of encouragement and thoughtful reflection. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ✅ Why motherhood transformed Monica's career and life direction. ✅ How Wandherwild’s family wellness retreats include children from the very beginning. ✅ What birth trauma taught Monica about slowing down. ✅ Why community matters so much in modern motherhood. ✅ How corporate leadership prepared her for entrepreneurship. ✅ What life inside the global oil industry is really like. ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST Monica Virga Alborno is the founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats, creating child-inclusive wellness retreats for modern families. A former Fortune 500 energy engineering executive, she now helps parents reconnect through nature, travel and community while raising her own family in Norway. Guest Links 🌿 https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/ [https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/wandherwild/ [https://www.instagram.com/wandherwild/] 🎙 https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/wandherwild-podcast [https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/wandherwild-podcast] ABOUT REAL LIFE. REAL KITCHEN. Mum-of-six, Zoë, set up Real Life. Real Kitchen. as a podcast and corner of the internet to help overwhelmed mamas create calmer homes through practical food, simple home systems and honest conversations about modern motherhood. If you're looking for realistic encouragement to make family life feel more connected and less chaotic, subscribe for a new episode every week. This episode explores family wellness retreats, modern motherhood, birth trauma, family travel, community, entrepreneurship, wellness retreats for families and how motherhood can inspire a completely new direction in life. 💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – Real Life. Real Kitchen's weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials [https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials]

Kids Birthday Party Ideas Without the Stress || A Chat With Kate Hutton, Party Planner

📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner https://shorturl.at/bbzm7 [https://realliferealkitchen.com/mum-life-management-planner/] 💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials [https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials] ☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support [https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support] Planning a children's birthday party doesn't have to mean spending a fortune or trying to recreate something you've seen on Pinterest. In this episode of the Real Life. Real Kitchen podcast, I chat with homeschooling mum of four and professional party host Kate Hutton about simple, budget-friendly kids birthday party ideas that children genuinely love. We cover party games, affordable venues, easy food ideas, outdoor parties, and why keeping things simple often creates the happiest memories. Whether you're planning a party at home, in the park or in the woods, this episode will give you practical kids birthday party ideas to make birthday celebrations less stressful and a lot more fun. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ How to plan a memorable birthday party on a budget ✅ Why simple kids birthday parties are often the best parties ✅ Easy ideas for kids' party games that cost almost nothing ✅ Free and low-cost birthday party venue ideas ✅ How to avoid party meltdowns and overstimulation ✅ Simple kids party food ideas that children actually eat LINKS MENTIONED Crafted Bus: https://craftdbus.com/ [https://craftdbus.com/] Kids birthday party ideas don't have to be expensive or complicated. This conversation covers budget kids birthday parties, children's party games, kids party food ideas, outdoor birthday parties and simple ways to celebrate your child without the stress. Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast [https://realliferealkitchen.com/real-life-real-kitchen-podcast/] https://realliferealkitchen.com/real-life-real-kitchen-podcast/with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life. Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference. If you enjoy practical conversations about modern motherhood, family life, home systems and raising confident children, don't forget to subscribe to the Real Life. Real Kitchen podcast for a new episode every week.

How Regenerative Farming Can Heal Our Children & Save the World || Pia Crofton

In this in-depth interview on the Real Life. Real Kitchen. Podcast, Pia Crofton of Ireland Fresh shares her journey from working in the Irish food industry to becoming a passionate advocate for nutrient-dense, regenerative food systems. She discusses the impact of global supply chains, the importance of local and organic food, and practical ways mothers can heal their children of autoimmune conditions and chronic illness through dietary interventions. The conversation also takes in the political and societal implications of modern farming practices, Big Food and government policies on motherhood, families and the health of nations. Personal autonomy, mutual support and a crie du coeur from mothers across the Western World just might save us all… Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast [https://realliferealkitchen.com/real-life-real-kitchen-podcast/] https://realliferealkitchen.com/real-life-real-kitchen-podcast/with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life. Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference. 👤 ABOUT PIA CROFTON After 20 years in the food industry, Pia is a mother now on a mission to connect families directly with real food and its producers to make a difference to children, health and society. 🌐 WHERE TO FIND PIA CROFTON * Website: https://irelandfresh.com/ [https://irelandfresh.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pia.crofton [https://www.instagram.com/pia.crofton] * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pia-crofton/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pia-crofton/] 🧰 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED 🥑 GAPS Diet by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride - https://gaps.me [https://gaps.me] 💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials [https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials] ☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support [https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support] ❤️ SHARE THE LOVE If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please: * Follow or subscribe to the show * Leave a short review (it really helps!) * Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions 🌍 WHERE ELSE YOU CAN FIND ME All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello. * 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials [https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials] KEY TOPICS * Impact of global supply chains on food quality * The role of regenerative agriculture in health * How glyphosate and chemicals affect our bodies * The importance of local, nutrient-dense food * Practical steps for mothers to heal their children Takeaways: * The podcast emphasizes the significant role of mothers in connecting with food producers to ensure the nutritional health of their families. * Pia Crofton discusses the detrimental effects of the current food supply chain, particularly the dominance of large corporations over family-run businesses. * The conversation highlights the alarming rise in chronic illnesses and autoimmune conditions among children, attributed to poor diet and exposure to chemicals. * Listeners are encouraged to advocate for better food policies and support local food systems to improve community health and well-being.

Navigating Loneliness In Motherhood || Insights from Parenting Coach, Vanessa Coultas

This episode of the Real Life. Real Kitchen podcast delves into the quiet & painful issue of loneliness experienced by mothers, particularly new mamas. Vanessa Coultas, Parenting Coach and host, Zoë F. Willis, discuss the societal changes that contribute to this loneliness, such as the shift from work to motherhood and the lack of community support. We explore the importance of social connections, the challenges faced by introverts, and the need for mothers to actively create support networks. The discussion emphasizes that loneliness is a common experience and encourages mothers to take small steps towards building connections and seeking support. Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast [https://realliferealkitchen.com/real-life-real-kitchen-podcast/] https://realliferealkitchen.com/real-life-real-kitchen-podcast/with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life. Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference. 👤 ABOUT VANESSA COULTAS Vanessa brings over a decade of dedicated experience to the profound task of guiding individuals in reshaping their lives with a specific focus on parenting. Commencing with a degree in Psychology, her professional journey has evolved to encompass qualifications in Life Coaching, Solution-Based Counselling, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Hypnosis. Despite the broadening of her expertise, psychology - with a specific emphasis on understanding human behavior - remains her central passion, which she uses to help families in their parenting. 🌐 WHERE TO FIND VANESSA COULTAS * Website: https://www.lifementoringnz.com/ [https://www.lifementoringnz.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifementoring_ [https://www.instagram.com/lifementoring_] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energisingmums [https://www.facebook.com/groups/energisingmums] * Podcast: Chaos, Courage & Coffee https://open.spotify.com/show/784MVlm8skiUcTTH6Vb8tE [https://open.spotify.com/show/784MVlm8skiUcTTH6Vb8tE ] 🧰 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED 📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner https://shorturl.at/bbzm7 [https://realliferealkitchen.com/mum-life-management-planner/] 💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials [https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials] ☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support [https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support] ❤️ SHARE THE LOVE If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please: * Follow or subscribe to the show * Leave a short review (it really helps!) * Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions 🌍 WHERE ELSE YOU CAN FIND ME All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello. * 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials [https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials] Takeaways: * The podcast highlighted the pervasive issue of loneliness experienced by mothers, particularly during early motherhood. * Vanessa emphasised the importance of creating a supportive community to combat loneliness effectively. * Listeners were encouraged to seek connections with other mothers through groups and regular social interactions. * The hosts discussed the significance of recognizing loneliness as a normal experience, rather than a personal failing. * Practical suggestions were offered for mothers to maintain social connections, even amidst busy schedules. * The conversation underscored that small steps towards building relationships can mitigate feelings of isolation.

Non-Linear Careers for Mums || Deb Smallwood on Identity, Choice & SelfPowerment

In this episode of the Real Life Real Kitchen podcast, Zoe Willis engages in a profound conversation with Deb Smallwood, a trailblazing executive and advocate for women's empowerment. Deb shares her insights from a 46-year career, focusing on the non-linear paths women and importantly, mothers, often take in their careers, the importance of financial independence, and the common struggles of self-doubt among women in leadership roles. The discussion also touches on the differences in how men and women process experiences and the necessity of support and vulnerability in both personal and professional lives. Deb emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself, accepting one's identity beyond roles, and making conscious choices to navigate life's challenges. The episode concludes with reflections on finding joy and acceptance in difficult situations, reinforcing the message that empowerment comes from within and that we all have the power to shape our narratives. Welcome to the Real Life. Real Kitchen Podcast [https://realliferealkitchen.com/real-life-real-kitchen-podcast/] https://realliferealkitchen.com/real-life-real-kitchen-podcast/with your host, Zoë F. Willis, English mother-of-many, Mum Mentor, and your host at this weekly gathering of real talk, real food, and real family life. Each week I sit down with someone whose work nourishes minds, bodies, or communities. From the kitchen table to the wider world, these are the quiet voices making a loud difference. 👤 ABOUT DEB SMALLWOOD Deb Smallwood spent four decades rising through corporate leadership into C-suite roles—often with exhaustion, anxiety, and the need to constantly prove her worth. Her inner shift led her to research the experiences of more than fifty high-achieving women leaders and inspired her book SelfPowerment: The Inner Shift for High Achieving Women Who Want More Than Just Success and the research-informed framework that redefines success from within and invite women to shift the question from “Will they choose me?” to “Do I choose them?” 🌐 WHERE TO FIND DEB SMALLWOOD * Website: www.selfpowerment.com [http://www.selfpowerment.com] * Buy Her Book: https://amzn.to/4cBny9P [https://amzn.to/4cBny9P] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deb.smallwood.94 [https://www.facebook.com/deb.smallwood.94] * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-smallwood/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-smallwood/] 🧰 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED 📝 Command the Chaos – The Mum Life Management Planner https://shorturl.at/bbzm7 [https://realliferealkitchen.com/mum-life-management-planner/] 💌 Join The Kitchen Correspondence – my weekly newsletter with episodes, reflections & family food wisdom https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials [https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials] ☕ Support the Show – help keep the kettle on and the podcast going https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support [https://the-real-life-real-kitchen.captivate.fm/support] ❤️ SHARE THE LOVE If this episode made you nod, laugh, or breathe a little deeper then please: * Follow or subscribe to the show * Leave a short review (it really helps!) * Share this episode with a fellow mum who might be quietly asking the same questions 🌍 WHERE ELSE YOU CAN FIND ME All the links are here ⬇️! Come say hello. * 🥰 https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials [https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials] Takeaways: * Deb Smallwood, a renowned advocate for women's empowerment, shares invaluable insights from her extensive career. * The podcast emphasizes the importance of financial independence for women to enhance their life choices. * Listeners learn that self-doubt is a common struggle among successful women in leadership roles. * The discussion highlights the necessity of personal accountability in managing one's emotions and life direction. * Deb's upcoming book, Of Self Powerment, aims to assist women in discovering their true purpose and identity. * The conversation reveals that both men and women face unique challenges in their professional journeys.