Tend HER Wild Podcast
Dr. Betsy Rippentrop, a psychologist, and Kate Moreland, a lawyer and CEO, are having conversations about how women have been conditioned to lose connection to their inner voice and natural instincts, and how the time has come for us to re-wild. Both grew up as overachievers and perfectionists and took traditional career paths, following the rules society set for success. This required a loss of authenticity and a disconnection to their own wild essence. We explore questions and tools around how best to listen to our inner voice, re-wild ourselves, and live the most authentic life, where we thrive instead...
198. Juliana Hauser: We Are All Sexual Beings
In today’s episode we speak with Dr. Juliana Hauser whose work is about holistic sexuality. She talks today about how sex saved her life multiple times, and the importance of understanding how sexuality is intricately connected to all areas of our life. We loved how Dr. Juliana balances openness and vulnerability with grounded theory and research. We definitely learned new things in this conversation!
We talk about:
Dr Juliana’s childhood as a wild, free spirited child who loved to hang from trees that then shifted in middle school when she began to follow...197. Connecting To & Healing Your Inner Child
Today we explore the concept of the inner child, or the parts of self from childhood that may be subconsciously influencing our life as an adult. The inner child carries both positive traits like creativity and playfulness, as well as negative unresolved traumas, fears, or unmet needs. Today’s conversation ends with a guided inner child exercise with Dr. Betsy.
What We Cover in This Episode:
The common question of why dredge up memories or feelings from childhood when it is in the past. Whether it is necessary to work with inner chil...196. Seasoned Wisdom Live
In this special live episode of the Tend HER Wild Podcast, recorded at the James Theatre with the Water Bearer Collective, four remarkable women share stories and insights gathered across decades of life. Together they reflect on courage, friendship, aging, and the power of crone wisdom—showing how experience deepens our capacity to lead, love, and keep evolving.
Guests
Marcia Akin – Educator and Psychotherapist
Connie Benton Wolfe – Social Entrepreneur and Innovative Leader
Peg Burke – Former University of Iowa professor and former president of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women
Lark Birdsong – First women’s ba...
195. Radical Wellness with Sarah Van Cleve
Sarah Van Cleve is a somatic practitioner, facilitator, death doula, mother, gardener, devoted life-lover, and future ancestor. She is the founder of Soul House Wellness, where she weaves together yoga, sound healing, somatic practice, and leadership development to support people in reconnecting with their bodies and their truth.
A self-described Black radical and professional agitator, Sarah’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to social justice, accessibility, and the kind of healing that tells the truth. Through her work, she creates spaces where people can find safety within themselves, tend to what is h...
194. Sasha Boros & The Water Bearer Collective
We sit down today with return guest Sasha Boros to talk about her newly inspired collaboration with women called The Water Bearer Collective. When we last spoke to Sasha in Episode 29, she was leaving a marriage and adjusting to all the transformational shifts in her life this ending brought. She spoke of a dream she had back in 2020 about women, empowerment, and the importance of women being healthy so they can be the change the world needs. Today we talked about the manifestation of Sasha’s dream.
What We Cover in This Episode:
...193. Healing Through Ketamine Therapy with Megan Carnahan
In this deeply honest and expansive conversation, Megan shares her journey from a highly sensitive child who learned to shut parts of herself down—to a therapist helping others reconnect with their inner intelligence for healing.
We explore how early life experiences shaped her path, the moment yoga reawakened her sensitivity, and how her work has evolved to include innovative therapeutic modalities like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
This episode offers a grounded, nuanced look at both the promise and responsibility of working with ketamine in mental health care—along with powerful reflections on healing, integration, and the wisd...
192. Anne Marie Nest-Pinero & Kristin Marrs: Performance Art that Educates About Infertility & Miscarriage
Today is an update on 2 of our brilliant guests and the powerful art they are putting out into the world. In episode 128 we interviewed Kristin Marrs and Anne Marie Nest about a theatre/dance piece they created called Chalk, which is about both of their journeys through miscarriage and infertility. These amazing women have been busy in the last year because they developed the piece into a full length show that opened in Denver last weekend, and will open in Iowa City for 4 shows at the James next weekend, March 21-24. Tickets can be found at http://www.thejamesic...
191. Our Favorite Quotes (and Why They Matter)
Words have a way of finding us exactly when we need them. In this episode, we share 22 quotes that have inspired, grounded, and guided us through different seasons of life.
This conversation was sparked by a listener who asked us: What are the quotes you return to again and again? So we gathered the words that have stayed with us—and the meaning behind them.
We’d love to know: what quotes have shaped your life?
Quotes:
“The women I love and admire for their strength and grace did not get that way...
190. “The Be A Light Project” for Suicide Prevention & Brain Health with Elizabeth Marner
Kate and Betsy speak with Elizabeth Marner, the founder and CEO of “The Be A Light Project” for brain health and suicide prevention for rural communities. Her nonprofit was born out of personal pain following her son’s suicide attempt and their frustrations getting the help he needed.
In today’s Episode we discuss:
Elizabeth’s experience of growing up and continuing to live in a rural small town. Elizabeth’s painful story of her son’s suicide attempt, and his struggle getting help in a rural community. Elizabeth’s own mental health journey. How her son Mason feels a...189. The Future of Feminism
Kate and Betsy dive into the topic of feminism after an article came out in the New York Times in November 2025 entitled “Are women ruining the workplace?”. In this episode we seek to understand the real meaning of feminism, the different waves it has gone through, and what the wild woman archetype says about these times.
In today’s Episode we discuss:
The fire that Kate felt after reading this article, and why we’ve gotten to a point where feminism has become a bad word. The actual definition of feminism, and the history of the fe...188. Dr. Ren Stinson: Lotus, Liberation, and Expanding Masculinity
In this deeply moving and thoughtful conversation, Dr. Ren shares the personal, cultural, and professional journey that shaped his life and work.
Origins & Identity
Ren begins by telling the story of his first ten years growing up in Japan and the powerful meaning behind his name. Ren, which means “Lotus,” was intentionally chosen by his mother — a decision so unusual at the time that she had to seek special permission to have it officially recognized. She even had his name added to an approved registry so he would not be treated as a foreigner. Years later, the name...
187. Love and Solidarity: Stories from Minneapolis
Season 4 of Tend Her Wild opens with a refusal to play small.
In this episode, we bear witness to what is unfolding in Minneapolis—and across our country—through the lens of the Wild Woman archetype. This conversation is about courage in real time, love under pressure, and what it looks like when women choose presence over paralysis.
We ask the question Clarissa Pinkola Estés reminds us of how a culture heals, and we explore what happens when a community becomes “a family within a family,” tending one another through fear, grief, and fierce l...
186. It’s A Wrap: Reflections on 2025 & Season 3 of Tend Her Wild
In today’s episode we review this past year and all that unfolded in the podcast and in our personal lives. We talk about the highs and lows, the practices that sustained us, and we reveal our theme for Season 4 that begins February 2026.
In today’s episode we explore:
Reflections on the year of the snake, 2025, and all the shedding that we did. The guests we interviewed in this last year that really made an impact. How the wild woman archetype worked with each of us in the last year, and our realization that reawakening our inne...186. Messages From the Other Side: Live Readings With Medium Dani Worrell
Medium Dani Worrell returns for an incredible live podcast event recorded at Revival’s pop-up studio in downtown Iowa City, where she offers intuitive readings for the audience.
In this episode, we explore:
Dani’s recent personal intuitive reading with her mentor, where her grandmother came through—a powerful figure who once encouraged Dani to shut down her gifts, now returning with guidance and affirmation. The importance of signs and synchronicities from the universe and from loved ones who have passed, and how we can learn to recognize and trust them. How the connection with loved ones d...185. Ophira Eisenberg: Scars & Laughing Her Way to Happy Endings
Today’s interview kept us laughing nearly the entire time, and yet was deeply poignant as our guest shared her story of scars. Ophira is a stand-up comedian, author, and story teller who has been lauded as one of the “top 10 comics that funny people find funny”.  Our attention was rapt as we listened to her many physical and emotional scars and how she has been able to create art, humor, and even happy endings from her life experiences.
In today’s episode we explore:
Ophira’s early days as the youngest of six children in Alberta, Can...184. Favorite Things: What We are Loving Right Now
In today’s joyful episode, we dig into our “magic bags” and surprise each other with our current favorite things. We share our top 10 unique items, shows, apps, and little delights we’re loving right now.
As the holiday season begins, we’re also reflecting on the power of our dollars and the importance of spending with intention. In honor of Small Business Saturday, we highlight some of our favorite local businesses—many of them women-owned—and invite you to join us in supporting small businesses (especially women owned),  local makers and entrepreneurs this year.
Kate’s List:
183. Anger: Still Channeling the Fire
“There is an aspect that women need to master if you’re going to be a wild woman and that is dealing with what can only be called women’s rage.  The release of that rage is required. Once women remember the origins of their rage they feel they may never stop grinding their teeth.  Ironically, we also feel very anxious to disperse our rage for it feels distressing and anxious.  We wish to hurry up and do away with it.  But, repressing it will not work.” —Clarissa Pinkola Estes in Women Who Run with the Wolves In this episode we explore: -How...
182. Uma Subramaniam: Yoga is Life
In today’s episode, we dive into a rich and inspiring conversation with yoga teacher Uma Subramaniam. Uma shares her journey from growing up in India—where yoga was a natural part of daily life—to her years in the U.S. financial industry, and ultimately, to rediscovering her calling as a lifelong student and teacher of yoga. Through her story, Uma beautifully illustrates how yoga is not just a practice, but a way of being—one that guides her understanding of purpose, balance, and self-awareness.
In this episode, we explore:
Roots in India: Uma’s early exposu...181. The Year of Endings & Beginnings
At the start of Season 3 on Tend Her Wild, astrologer and coach Cathy Pagano talked about 2025 as a year of endings and beginnings. Today Kate and Betsy get personal and reflect on a moment in Iceland 4 years ago when they both had an inkling of something hard they were going to have to face. Kate faced her challenge 2 years ago that we discussed in Episode 44, and now Betsy is facing her challenge. We had no idea where this conversation would go, but feel it is an exploration into honesty, nudges from the soul, and surrender.
In toda...
180. Ginette Biro: A Near Death Experience & Divine Connection to the Other Side
Today’s interview was both eye opening and fascinating as we interviewed Ginette Biro, a medium (someone who can see, hear, and communicate with spirits on the other side). We hear about her journey of opening into these gifts, and a near death experience she had at 2019 that encouraged her to step up and show more of her wisdom and perspective.
In today’s episode we:Â
Learn how Ginette was already seeing spirits by the age of 5, but had no language to express it, nor family members with a similar gift. How her psychic gifts...179. The Heroine’s Journey: The Descent to the Goddess
We reviewed the Heroine’s Journey that we talked about in Episode 60, and took it a little deeper today after exploring this beautiful methodology for a full week on a recent retreat in Greece. There are many steps on the Heroine’s Journey (see book by Maureen Murdock), but today we dive into the step called “Descent to the Goddess” and what this actually means.  Our conversation processes the retreat and what we both learned, as well as the lessons of several women who attended.
Today we discuss:
How historically the feminine energy got...178. The Four Agreements
In today’s episode, we dive into The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz—a timeless guide to personal freedom and transformation. As we prepare for our upcoming retreat in Greece with 44 incredible women, we explore how these four agreements can serve as a foundation for group connection, compassion, and authentic living.
Together, we imagine what it would be like if our culture truly lived by these principles—and how much more kind, peaceful, and loving the world could become.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
How The Four Agreements reflects a re-wilding process—re...177. Are You Dysregulated?
It really is a time for us to step up and take some responsibility for our own nervous system, so for today’s episode we revisit the topic of nervous system dysregulation and how most of us are likely dysregulated due to the stressors of modern day life. We reveal our personal nervous system default responses, and we talk about the tools that seem to help us get back to a more regulated state.
Today we discuss:
That stress is here to stay and how 1/3 of adults report stress is completely overwhelming mos...176. Carmen Serano: The Beauty Between the Breaks
In today’s episode, we sit down with actress Carmen Serano-Gingles, who shares a powerful story of healing, resilience, and transformation.
Carmen opens up about navigating her own “dark night of the soul” and the hope she now brings to other women as a coach and guide. Having survived multiple layers of trauma in both childhood and adulthood, she eventually discovered true self-love and a deep sense of wholeness in midlife. Through courageous inner work and generational healing—supported by psychedelic journeys—she reconnected with herself and opened the door to authentic love.
This journey is at the...
175. Tracy Tritle… Global Peacemaker in a Peace Loving Van
In today’s episode we interview Tracy Tritle about her year living everywhere and nowhere at once in an old VW camper van. At the age of 55, Tracy found herself at rock bottom after leaving a corporate job and experiencing the ending of a long term marriage. She followed her instinct and said yes to a new adventure, and today we talk about all she learned. Today we discuss: Tracy’s early life on a dairy farm with a kind family where she felt like the “unicorn of the family” who never quite fit in and was muted. The moment...
174. Codependent No More
This is a theme that we have been wanting to explore on the podcast for months, but have been dragging our feet. (Perhaps because we both identify closely with this pattern). We looked for an expert on this, and reached out to Melody Beattie last year, author of the best seller “Codependent No More”.  She agreed to come on the podcast but requested we wait until the Fall when she had a new book coming out.  Melody passed away this past February at the age of 76.  May you Rest In Peace Melody and thank you for opening so many of our eye...
173. Maddie Corman:Â Accidentally Brave
In today’s episode we interview Maddie Corman, an actress with a powerful story of betrayal trauma, how she managed the darkest chapter of her life, and the hope and support she is providing to other folks in similar situations. After her husband was arrested for downloading child pornography, her world blew up. It took her years to move through the aftermath, and she tells her side of the story (and why she choose to stay with her husband) in her new one woman show released on HBO called “Accidentally Brave”, and directed by Kristin Hanggi (former guest on our podcast...
172. Reverend Sarah Goettsch: Unapologetic
In this episode, we sit down with Reverend Sarah Goettsch, a Lutheran pastor whose preaching has inspired communities for over 20 years. A fierce advocate for social justice and an unapologetic ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, Sarah brings both fire and empathy to her ministry. Her journey has been shaped by resilience, courage, and a commitment to standing with those on the margins.
Together we explore her powerful story—from growing up in a conservative faith tradition to breaking barriers as a woman in ministry, to speaking truth to power even when it comes at a cost.
171. Dani Worrell: The Power of Practical Alignment
Dani Worrell is an intuitive medium and professional organizer who helps people clear their heads and hearts. She began fully using her gifts of intuition after alcoholism nearly took her husband. After doing a lot of inner work, she has stepped into the power of her intuitive gifts to help others.
Today we discuss:
The day at her kitchen sink listening to the TendHER Wild podcast and how she manifested being on the show to tell her own story. Growing up in Arizona and how her early conditioning with her Grandmother and the Catholic Church shut do...170. Renee Zukin: Every Day, I’m Brave
In today’s episode we interview author Renee Zukin.  In her new book “Everyday I’m Brave” Renee shares her story of her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and her journey of conquering fear in order to live a bigger life.  Renee reveals that being diagnosed late in life after having her third child began a healing process that has led to finding freedom and using her gifts to help others conquer their fear.
Today we discuss:Â Â
Renee’s early ability to hold the tension of opposites, both fear and adventure, when her family moved from Detroit to Iowa.  Her e...169. Brenda Crawford: Part II – Cancer & Holding the Tension of Opposites
This is part 2 of our interview with Brenda Crawford about her journey through cancer treatment and her perspectives on living and dying 5 years into her journey. The shift in identity that Brenda experienced after her diagnosis, and how she began to embrace balance in a brand new way. Brenda’s realization that wasn’t good at self-care (even though she believed she was), and how her diagnosis snapped her into radical self-care. Her desire to feel all of life and no longer be desensitized to it. The impact of this diagnosis on her marriage, her kids, and the complication of canc...
168. Brenda Crawford: Part I – Spiritual Sovereignty & The Cancer Diagnosis
Brenda Crawford is the first guest we’ve interviewed that didn’t have a bio for us to read, and she explained that what she would have had us read in years past is no longer fully true. She has many accomplishments: psychologist, musician, wife, mother, businesswoman – however, her identity completely shifted 5 years ago when out of the blue, and with few symptoms, she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  This interview was raw, real, funny, hopeful, and as Brenda said, an opportunity to leave a legacy for my children.  We were so spellbound by Brenda’s story that it’s as if we we...
167. Dr. Jackie Kamradt: Being A Mom is the Best Thing for My OCD
In today’s episode we interview Dr. Jackie, a psychologist who has learned the power of self-disclosure when she began to speak openly about her relationship to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that has been present since she was a child. Dr. Jackie brings both her personal experience as well as her professional knowledge to shed light on this disorder that impacts about 1-3% of the population.
Today we discuss:
How Jackie doesn’t remember a time before she had OCD, and has been managing it essentially her entire life. The amount of time...166. Dropping into Radiant Rest with Tracee Stanley
Hello tend her wild podcast listeners. Today we are re-releasing one of our favorite episodes with Tracee Stanley Tracee is a gifted yoga niddra teacher and the author of the books radiant rest and luminous self.
During challenging and uncertain times with so many distractions, there can be great healing and transformative power in practicing rest and being still. In this episode Tracee shares with us the value of deep relaxation, and the divine creativity that emerges from embracing stillness.  We encourage you to connect to Tracee’s platform for sacred tools and rituals that help us return to ou...165. Hope for the Future: Meet The Sons Jack Moreland & Pieter Rippentrop
In today’s episode we have a delightful talk with Kate & Betsy’s 19-year-old sons who just completed their first year of college and are home for the summer. We had no idea where this conversation was headed, but we found ourselves more smitten than usual with these engaging, bright, and wise young men who both expressed a heart for making a difference in this world.
Today we discuss:
Jack and Pieter’s first 10 years and what they remember most. Their adjustment to college and settling into independence, connecting with people, and making...164. Christina Woods: Unraveling to Heal
In today’s episode we talk with Christina Woods an internationally recognized Clinical Hypnotherapist, Rapid Transformational therapist, Empowerment Coach and Reiki Master who leads women to realize their worth, shed old programs, and align with their authentic selves. Combining her three decades in corporate leadership, Christina has turned her personal triumph over adversity into a beacon of hope for hundreds of women worldwide.
Today we discuss:
How Christina’s first 10 years of living in survival mode, due to a chaotic and abusive environment, shaped her life and led to her purpose How she became a wo...163. Rage as Teacher
In today’s episode we return to the book “Women Who Run with the Wolves” for inspiration and discuss the teachings around the concept of rage. We explore the idea that rage is a teacher and allowing ourselves to listen and learn from our rage can be powerful and boost personal growth. As women we are often taught to be nice good girls, so rage can make us feel guilt and shame for being out of control. The notion that not showing our rage, robs us of our voice and our authentic nature.
Today we discuss:
The conc...162. Jennifer Brandl: Meet Betsy’s World Traveling Sister
In today’s episode we talk with Betsy’s older sister Jennifer and the pivotal impact she has had on Betsy, as well as her part in helping create the Tend Her Wild podcast. We also talk about her love of travel, navigating the business world for 32 years, and her intentions for the future.
Today we discuss:
How Jennifer’s life took a major turn when her little sister Betsy was born. Which of the sisters was the “wild” one. Her intrinsic need to see the world and which 2 cities are her favorite in...161. Intergenerational Trauma
In today’s episode we explore how the trauma can extend from one generation to the next through the intersection of our biology and our psychology. This topic was briefly touched on during the recent free online Tend Her course, and lots of questions came from participants so we decided to dive a little deeper into the topic, and explore our personal lineages and what they might be holding.
Today we discuss:
What intergenerational trauma really is and the “7 generation” theory that says the healing we do can stretch backwards to our ancesto...160. Are You Dysregulated?
In today’s episode we explore the topic of nervous system dysregulation and how most of us are likely dysregulated due to the stressors of modern day life. We reveal our personal nervous system default responses, and we talk about the tools that seem to help us get back to a more regulated state.
Today we discuss:
That stress is here to stay and how 1/3 of adults report stress is completely overwhelming most days according to a report by the American Psychological Association. How we cannot “think” our way to a different nervous...
