In this episode of The Wander Mom Diaries, Mandie sits down with Mikayla, founder of Moonrae Photo + Video, to explore how storytelling is reshaping modern branding—and why your customer, not your business, should always be the hero of the story.Together, they break down the transition from traditional photography to strategic brand storytelling, the power of video in building trust, and how entrepreneurs can use frameworks like StoryBrand to clarify their message and increase conversions.They also dive into the real-life realities of building a business while raising young children, navigating mom guilt, and learning to balance ambition with presence.This episode is sponsored by Trailforge Marketing, helping small business owners build simple customer retention systems that turn first-time buyers into repeat customers.🔗 Learn MoreMoonrae Photo + Video:  Moonrae PhotographyInstagram: @moonraephotography_Trailforge MarketingInstagram: @trailforgemarketing📚 Resources MentionedBuilding a StoryBrand 2.0💡 Key TakeawaysYour customer—not your business—is the hero of the storyStorytelling builds trust faster than traditional brandingMost websites fail because they focus on themselves instead of the customer’s problemShort-form video (30–60 seconds) can dramatically increase brand trust and clarityAwareness ads and conversion ads serve very different purposesSocial media should lead to an owned audience (like an email list)Trust is harder to build in a digital-first, AI-heavy worldReal connection comes from showing real people and real problemsEntrepreneurship and motherhood require grace, flexibility, and systemsYou’re often closer to success than your mindset makes you believe⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 — Introduction to brand storytelling01:51 — How Moonrae Photo + Video began04:43 — Discovering StoryBrand and transforming business messaging12:17 — What a brand storytelling session actually looks like18:17 — Why short-form video builds trust faster20:27 — Awareness ads vs conversion ads24:27 — Why email marketing is essential for business owners29:22 — The trust recession in a digital world32:23 — How to avoid scams when hiring service providers35:16 — Building a business while raising toddlers43:47 — “You worry a lot for someone who always figures it out”

After a four-year pause, I’m finally bringing Wander Mom Diaries back—reimagined, realigned, and more me than ever.When I first started this podcast, it was all about travel, adventure, and helping moms rediscover themselves after motherhood. And while that’s still part of who I am, a lot has changed. I’m now a mom of two, a business owner, and someone who has fully embraced being multipassionate.For a long time, I felt like I had to choose one lane. Travel or business. Motherhood or personal growth. Stability or adventure.I’m done choosing.Wander Mom Diaries 2.0 is where everything comes together. This podcast blends motherhood, entrepreneurship, marketing, travel, health, and the real, messy, in-between moments of figuring it all out.I’ll be sharing my journey, lessons I’m learning in real time, and conversations with incredible guests who will inspire you, challenge you, and maybe even make you laugh along the way. Some episodes might be tactical. Others might feel like a deep conversation or even a vent session with a friend.If you’ve ever felt pulled in multiple directions… if you’re building a business, raising a family, and still trying to hold onto who you are—this space is for you.You don’t have to pick one version of yourself.You get to build a life where it all fits.Welcome to the adventure!Links mentioned:https://www.trailforgemarketing.com/newsletter

I can't believe it has already been 12 incredibly fast weeks of season 2 for this podcast! Thank you so much to all my dedicated and supportive listeners, I SO appreciate each and every one of you. In this season finale, I share my reflections from producing this podcast and how it has helped me grow as an individual. I share some actionable takeaways that you can apply to your life and also some resources for you to sink your mind into, including Marie Forleo's book: "Everything is Figureoutable".  I hope you have enjoyed this show, for now, I will be taking an indefinite pause on production to focus on other things in my life and not feel like I'm being pulled in too many different directions, but this has been a lifechanging experience for me and a new skill set I'm so grateful to have developed.  Here are the links mentioned in the episode! The reliable website link: https://linktr.ee/wandermomdiaries The current website URL: https://amandalynnkramer.wixsite.com/wandermomdiaries Instagram and Facebook: @wandermomdiaries Everything is Figuroutable (the audiobook is highly recommended wherever you listen to books!)  Episode from Marie Forleo's show that I mentioned in the podcast about high-fiving yourself Episodes mentioned in this show: Episode 15: 4 Steps to a Better Work-Life Balance Episode 16: Time Management Workshop Episode 18: Your Journey to Self Discovery

Hello and welcome to the wander mom diaries podcast! Today you’ll be hearing Kalee’s story. She is an IVF mother who did a lot of research to find the correlation between infertility and environmental toxins and was surprised to realize how much was out there that was harmful.  So she took action, cleaned out her house, and had success with the fertility treatments. After the struggle of trying to find gender-neutral, safe clothing for her little one, she took a giant step towards entrepreneurship and created her own modern gender-neutral baby boutique called Nic&Orie!  If you’re listening to this and have struggled with fertility, we have linked Kalee’s blog in the show notes where she shares her journey of struggle in trying to become a mother in hopes that you realize you’re not alone and there is support for you. We touch on how environmental toxins have been connected to infertility and you can dive more into what you should or should not have in your home by going to https://www.ewg.org/. Don’t forget to check out the links to her socials so you can explore her adorable, safe and sustainable clothing company.  She has even offered a 15% discount to anyone listening to this podcast! Just use wandermoms15 at checkout.  I hope you enjoy this inspiring story of a resilient entrepreneur momma! Kaylee's IVF Journey Blog Nic and Orie Website Instagram @nic_orie Facebook NIC+ORIE Discover what is not safe in your home: https://www.ewg.org/ App to scan products for toxins: https://www.ewg.org/apps/ Get featured on the podcast by leaving me a voice message with your feedback or topics you'd like to hear about at: https://www.speakpipe.com/wandermomdiaries Find more blog posts and fun stuff for adventurous mothers at https://linktr.ee/wandermomdiaries Social Media Handle: @wandermomdiaries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandermomdiaries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandermomdiaries

If you’ve ever felt like you’re tired of being tired, this episode is for you. Today you’ll be listening to a conversation with Dessi, an Exercise Physiologist who gives excellent insight into how we can make healthy choices easier to make in our busy lives. We also talk about the importance of normalizing mental health needs and resources on where you can get support for yourself. It is so important that we as women take action to normalize the discussion around both physical and mental health, so thank you for being here!  Guest: Dessi Beagle Email: [email protected]  Topics discussed   1. Hydrate- prep water bottles night before or set alarm reminder to refill  2. Eat the rainbow  3. Batch cook (time management)- freeze chill, nut butter bites, Mexican bowls  4. Trader Joe's frozen veggies and meals  5. Solid starts app or social for baby-led weaning  recommendations and ideas Links to resources:  Postpartum.net  International virtual Postpartum support groups  Eatright.org Eating colors infographic   https://images.app.goo.gl/9NRp1stMBcFoZfh99  Water Intake: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/plain-water-the-healthier-choice.html  Baby-Led Weaning: https://solidstarts.com/  https://solidstarts.com/baby-led-weaning/  Tips on making physical activity fun for your little loves  https://www.strong4life.com/en/being-active/physical-activity/motivate-your-child-to-stay-active  Affordable/Remote gym memberships:  https://flintymca.com/y-360/ https://www.pcrm.org/podcast  The Exam Room™ is the ultimate vegan podcast from the Physicians Committee. Dr. Neal Barnard, a real-life rock star and authority on plant-based living, motivates and inspires the vegan-curious and those who have been plant-powered for life. https://nutritionfacts.org/ Get featured on the podcast by leaving me a voice message with your feedback or topics you'd like to hear about at: https://www.speakpipe.com/wandermomdiaries Find more blog posts and fun stuff for adventurous mothers at https://linktr.ee/wandermomdiaries Social Media Handle: @wandermomdiaries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandermomdiaries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandermomdiaries

Hello and welcome to the wander mom diaries podcast! I’m your host Mandie and during season 2, we have the theme of self-care, overcoming adversities, and women empowerment, this episode dives into all three! I would like to give a preliminary warning that suicide is talked about during this conversation which can be triggering. With the pandemic, suicide and depression statistics have increased, so I have added suicide prevention resources in the show notes for your reference. During this conversation, you’ll hear Dr. Marisa Naismith’s incredible story of overcoming one challenge after another and hear empowering messages about self-care and finding your voice. Marisa grew up in Australia and has been in the music industry as a singer from her early teens and is now a singing coach and music industry mentor. Marisa also fosters singing communities around the world so my original intent was to discuss that, but as she kept sharing her story, I ended up scrapping the questions I originally planned and just went with the flow of the conversation and I think the result is truly impactful. I hope you enjoy this moving conversation with Marisa! Guest: Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith Email: [email protected] Website: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/ Podcast: A VOICE AND BEYOND Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarisaleenaismith/ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (+1) 800-273-8255 Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ National Eating Disorders Helpline https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline ONLINE CHAT Monday—Thursday 9am—9pm ET Friday 9am—5pm ET CALL (800) 931-2237 Monday—Thursday 11am—9pm ET Friday 11am—5pm ET Translation services are available on the phone. TEXT (800) 931-2237 Monday—Thursday 3pm—6pm ET Friday 1pm—5pm ET Standard text messaging rates may apply. Get featured on the podcast by leaving me a voice message with your feedback or topics you'd like to hear about at: https://www.speakpipe.com/wandermomdiaries Find more blog posts and fun stuff for adventurous mothers at https://linktr.ee/wandermomdiaries Social Media Handle: @wandermomdiaries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandermomdiaries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandermomdiaries

Welcome to this conversation on the Wander Mom diaries Podcast where I interview Sabrina, an emotional eating therapist, and we discuss an approach you can try that doesn’t involve a strict diet or workout regimen. Interested to hear more? Let’s dive in!  Guest: Sabrina Rogers Link to all of her information and resources! https://drive.google.com/file/d/17TX51C05Vfs4IrA2vDcslL91QITKi1Ux/view?usp=sharing Get featured on the podcast by leaving me a voice message with your feedback or topics you'd like to hear about at: https://www.speakpipe.com/wandermomdiaries Find more blog posts and fun stuff for adventurous mothers at https://linktr.ee/wandermomdiaries Social Media Handle: @wandermomdiaries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandermomdiaries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandermomdiaries

Today’s episode is different from all the rest so far, and that is because it is an actual diary entry from a resilient mother in the Philippines named Myrna Fe. During Fe’s interview, we had a lot of recording issues with the sound, so I asked her to create her own solo cast so we could still share her story. I love the opportunity to hear stories from mothers around the world, so if you would like to submit your own solo cast to the show, send me an email at [email protected]. If I were to pick one word to describe Fe, it would have to be a fighter. She was a fighter making ends meet as a young single mom, she was a fighter in making adventure and exploration a core value between her and her daughter, and today she still fights against the odds after a risky spine operation that has left her much less mobile than she used to be and need to look for new employment opportunities. All of these adversities have led to some amazing things for Fe, along with the enthusiasm to take on new challenges and opportunities. I think I’ve said enough, I’ll let Fe fill you in on her inspiring story. Guest: Myrna Fe Agsaullo Email: [email protected] Podcast Name/Info: Grit, Glory, and Gratitude Tiktok / Twitter /FB Page : @missmyrnafe IG: missmyrnafe_3g Co-Founder of Impact Podcaster Get featured on the podcast by leaving me a voice message with your feedback or topics you'd like to hear about at: https://www.speakpipe.com/wandermomdiaries Find more blog posts and fun stuff for adventurous mothers at https://linktr.ee/wandermomdiaries Social Media Handle: @wandermomdiaries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandermomdiaries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandermomdiaries

Welcome to this episode about how you can start your journey to self-discovery. This season’s theme is self-care, and understanding yourself and knowing why you are the way you are is a critical step towards taking action to improve your life. Why? Because sometimes we do things and we don’t really understand why, for better or for worse. When you understand yourself, then you can move forward and make choices that fulfill you as a person. Gaining clarity on who you are is also extremely energizing and empowering. So this episode is about a journey, but a journey to the heart, soul, and overall self.  What I’m going to share with you today are the steps I personally took to self-discovery that I found extremely helpful.  I finally understand why I am the way I am, what I value and why, and what I don’t value and why. I am also going to share some excellent resources that helped me along the way. Sparketype Assessment: https://sparketype.com/sparketest Enneagram Test Get featured on the podcast by leaving me a voice message with your feedback or topics you'd like to hear about at: https://www.speakpipe.com/wandermomdiaries Find more blog posts and fun stuff for adventurous mothers at https://linktr.ee/wandermomdiaries Social Media Handle: @wandermomdiaries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandermomdiaries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandermomdiaries

Today I have a fun conversation with a fellow educator, Nellie Medow. Nellie is a mom of three boys and shares her insight into what it is like to change careers later in life to help spark her energy and focus. This conversation is full of bite-size take-always that will help empower you to do the next right thing for yourself. Whether it is trying something new, managing your time better, overcoming mom-guilt, finding your support group, or realizing the benefits of paying for childcare, there are many different topics we talk about and you’re going to love it!  Guest: Nellie Medow https://www.facebook.com/groups/futurecurrentiop  https://www.facebook.com/groups/vulnerabilitysuperpower Get featured on the podcast by leaving me a voice message with your feedback or topics you'd like to hear about at: https://www.speakpipe.com/wandermomdiaries Find more blog posts and fun stuff for adventurous mothers at https://linktr.ee/wandermomdiaries Social Media Handle: @wandermomdiaries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandermomdiaries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandermomdiaries