In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica is joined by wellness leader and retreat facilitator Tommie Burch to explore Pilates Fusion, intuitive movement, and reclaiming your strength within motherhood. From post-pandemic pivots to practical self-care, this conversation is a reminder that feeling strong—physically and emotionally—is a powerful act of self-love.
Key Takeaways From the Episode:
Why movement is more than physical—it’s a pathway to mental clarity and emotional regulation
The importance of intuitive fitness and choosing modalities that meet you where you are
How Pilates Fusion blends structure and freedom to create sustainable strength
Why moms need mindful movement that adapts to their evolving season of life
The connection between strength and self-esteem in motherhood
What it looks like to build a business from passion and pivot through aligned opportunities
Why saying yes, before you feel ready, can be the key to discovering your true path
Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.
[00:00] The Power of Feeling Strong: Monica opens with a reflection on how intuitive movement and strength training help build confidence and self-esteem in motherhood.
[01:30] Meet Tommie Burch: Monica introduces Tommie as a certified yoga and Pilates instructor, children’s book author, and core member of Wanderwild Family Retreats.
[04:10] From Layoff to Purpose: Tommie shares how losing her job during the pandemic led her to rediscover joy through movement and begin her wellness career.
[07:00] What is Pilates Fusion?: Learn how Tommie blends classical Pilates with barre, yoga, and intuitive teaching to meet women’s evolving energy and needs.
[11:15] Movement as Therapy, Not Obligation: Monica and Tommie discuss how to release guilt around exercise and reframe movement as a gift—not a chore.
[14:30] Time Management, Seasons & Grace: Inspired by recent conversations, Monica shares her evolving relationship with fitness, productivity, and giving herself space as a mom.
[17:45] Say Yes Before You’re Ready: Tommie reflects on the early days of entrepreneurship—saying yes to new opportunities, even when unsure, and learning as she grew.
[21:20] Overcoming Fear of Judgment: Tommie opens up about the vulnerability of showing up online, embracing authenticity, and letting go of external validation.
[25:00] Building a Life Around What You Love: The conversation turns to values-aligned living, trusting your gut, and staying true to your unique gifts—even when it’s scary.
[28:30] Movement Is Mental Health: Why movement helps process emotion, builds resilience, and reconnects us to our wholeness—especially in the postpartum years.
[30:40] Lessons from Motherhood — Surrender: Tommie shares how becoming a mom taught her to let go of rigidity, lean into presence, and listen more closely to her daughter and herself.
[33:00] How to Connect with Tommie: Tommie shares details on her upcoming Pilates Fusion class, her current projects, and where to find her online.
[36:00] Final Words & Invitation to Join: Monica wraps the conversation with an invitation to connect further through Wand(HER)wild retreats and virtual offerings.
Tommie Burch is a certified instructor in yoga, barre, mat pilates, apparatus pilates, and spin. She is also a children's book author of 'Being Me Is Special'. Tommie has also been the Wellness Lead at Wanderwild Family Retreats since 2023. Her classes incorporate not just physical practice, but a spiritual intention to focus on mental and emotional health. Tommie lives in upstate New York and has a 2.5-year-old daughter.
Instagram: @balancebytommie
Quick Links:
Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms
Wanderwild Family Retreats | In Person Retreats
Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica
Subscribe to Wand(HER)wild’s Substack for bi-weekly newsletters or follow our podcast on Apple or follow our podcast on Spotify to never miss an episode. Leave a review to support our work. Thank you for listening!
Subscribed
Share this post