Live Free Ride Free with Rupert Isaacson

From hitchhiking to California with $35 in her pocket, to becoming a Stanford professor, medical doctor, and pioneer in equine-assisted programs, Dr. Beverley Kane’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and transformation. In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Dr. Kane to trace her journey through medicine, sports science, corporate Silicon Valley, parapsychology, and ultimately to horses—where she bridges science and spirituality.Beverley shares how her early activism during the Vietnam War led her into medicine, what she learned working in preventive health and AI at Apple and WebMD, and why a kitchen accident opened the door to horses, play, and somatic healing. Today she teaches Qigong with horses at Stanford, guiding students and professionals into deeper connection, stress relief, and self-regulation through equanimity.✨ “Quantum physics is the physics of love and entanglement is about connection.” – Dr. Beverley Kane✨ “When I found therapeutic riding, for the first time it was just playful to be on horses.” – Dr. Beverley Kane🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Hitchhiking to California with $35 and starting anew ([00:01:00])Dropping out of Columbia, activism, and rediscovering medicine ([00:03:00])Medical training at UCSF and mentorship from Nobel Prize winner Michael Bishop ([00:05:00])Practicing medicine in Alaska and discovering sports medicine ([00:07:00])Stanford preventive medicine research and corporate health at Apple ([00:12:00])Stories from Apple’s Great American Smokeout and early AI projects ([00:16:00])Moving into WebMD and the rise (and bust) of Silicon Valley dot-com culture ([00:21:00])Discovering horses at age 52 after an accident and entering therapeutic riding ([00:27:00])Finding joy and play with horses through therapeutic riding ([00:34:00])Bringing Medicine & Horsemanship programs to Stanford ([00:43:00])Teaching Qigong with horses and the Equanimity program ([00:50:00])Quantum physics, parapsychology, and the science of consciousness ([01:10:00])Why entanglement points toward love, connection, and healing ([01:42:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Getting sick upon arriving in Berkeley and repaying kindness at the Free Clinic ([00:02:00])Lessons from Nobel Prize winner Michael Bishop on scientific breakthroughs ([00:09:00])Transitioning from sports medicine to preventive health research at Stanford ([00:12:00])A story of helping an Apple employee quit smoking to transition safely ([00:16:00])The kitchen accident that shifted her horsemanship to play and healing ([00:31:00])Dreaming of red mustangs in the desert and discovering equine-assisted learning ([00:40:00])Establishing equine-assisted electives for Stanford medical students ([00:47:00])Teaching Qigong forms with horses for stress reduction and emotional release ([00:56:00])Exploring quantum entanglement, ESP, and the philosophy of science ([01:26:00])Calling quantum physics “the physics of love” ([01:42:00])📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Dr. Beverley Kane – Equine-imity: Stress Reduction and Emotional Self-Regulation in the Company of Horses https://amzn.to/4nqsAJ9The Manual of Medicine and Horsemanship - https://amzn.to/4nq2ENKDr. Beverley Kane – Adjunct Clinical Professor at Stanford, author of Equanimity and manuals on Medicine & HorsemanshipMichael Bishop – Nobel Prize-winning biochemistBarbara Rector – Equine-assisted learning pioneerAlan Hamilton – Neurosurgeon and founder of Medicine & HorsemanshipQuantum physicist Amit Goswami – The Self-Aware UniverseRupert Sheldrake – Theories of morphic resonanceRussell Targ & Hal Puthoff – Parapsychology and remote viewing research🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride Home:Website: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems:Website: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📊 Affiliate Disclosure:Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

 From the rugby fields of London to the Merchant Navy, Special Forces, skydiving, aviation, and entrepreneurship—Paul Illingworth’s life has been defined by risk, resilience, and relentless drive. In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Paul to trace a journey that spans fear, family, and the search for tribe.Paul shares how being bullied as a child forged his fighter’s spirit, how rugby and the Navy honed his leadership, and why fear should never be allowed to rule your life. From building successful businesses—including skydiving operations and escape rooms—to exploring how community can heal a generation lost in gaming, Paul offers raw insights into courage, discipline, and finding purpose.✨ “Fear is something you build up inside you. Push it aside—and deal with life.” – Paul Illingworth✨ “It always comes back to tribe. Whatever your tribe is, find it and commit to it.” – Paul Illingworth🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How a childhood accident and bullying sparked resilience ([00:07:00])The lessons rugby taught about teamwork, leadership, and belonging ([00:19:00])Joining the Merchant Navy and confronting storms at sea ([00:29:00])Why fear must be faced head-on rather than avoided ([00:47:00])The leap from oil rigs to aviation and skydiving ([00:58:00])Lessons from flight school and pushing limits in the air ([01:00:00])Navigating life-and-death moments and mastering discipline ([01:06:00])The importance of camaraderie in high-risk environments ([01:10:00])Building a successful skydiving business from scratch ([01:20:00])Creating escape rooms as a new form of entrepreneurship ([01:41:00])Why gaming culture points to a deeper hunger for tribe ([01:45:00])Fatherhood, resilience, and passing strength to the next generation ([01:50:00])Why tribe and community remain central to a fulfilling life ([01:53:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Paul describes being bullied and deciding to fight back ([00:07:00])Discovering rugby as a space for belonging and leadership ([00:19:00])Facing storms during Merchant Navy service ([00:29:00])Learning to control fear through discipline ([00:47:00])Stories of flying and skydiving adventures ([00:58:00])Building and selling businesses, from skydiving to escape rooms ([01:20:00])Reflections on tribe, community, and resilience ([01:50:00])📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Paul Illingworth – Entrepreneur, Navy veteran, business innovator (skydiving, escape rooms, aviation)Rupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land https://longridehome.com/books🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride Home: Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems: Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

In this rare solo episode of Live Free Ride Free, host Rupert Isaacson shares his own extraordinary story—tracing a path from his multicultural childhood in London to horseback adventures, indigenous rights campaigns, and the creation of groundbreaking autism and equine therapy programs. Rupert weaves together vivid life experiences: from retraining an unruly ex-racehorse as a boy, to helping the Bushmen of the Kalahari win historic land claims, to transforming his son’s autism journey through horses, nature, and movement. This is a deep dive into service, resilience, and the magic of following the call of adventure.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How a childhood nervous breakdown led Rupert to horses and nature ([00:11:00])Lessons from growing up between multiple cultures and identities ([00:05:00])The entrepreneurial path to buying his first horse at age 14 ([00:13:00])Adventures and dangers as a young journalist in Africa and North America ([00:34:00])The role of indigenous wisdom in Rupert’s life and work ([00:56:00])Behind-the-scenes of the Bushman land claims in South Africa and Botswana ([01:00:00])How his son’s autism diagnosis reshaped his mission and methods ([01:36:00])The creation of Horse Boy Method, Movement Method, and Takhin Equine Integration ([01:39:00])Why service is the key to sustaining your dreams ([01:46:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Meeting legendary wolf expert Rick McIntyre in Yellowstone and conceiving the Live Free Ride Free podcast ([00:02:00])Training an unmanageable ex-racehorse and discovering his calling ([00:14:00])Hitchhiking into the Kalahari and first encounters with Bushman healers ([00:57:00])Witnessing the unexpected twist that won Botswana’s largest land claim ([01:30:00])The life-changing advice from Dr. Temple Grandin on helping his autistic son ([01:34:00])The reindeer healer in Siberia who transformed Rowan’s progress ([01:42:00])📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Rupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land https://longridehome.com/booksHorse Boy Method, Movement Method, Takhin Equine Integration https://ntls.coLong Ride Home - Horse Training: https://longridehome.com🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home: Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems: Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

What happens when a successful publisher hits rock bottom—and finds his way back through psychedelics, storytelling, and soul work? In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Ralf Daab, a Cologne-based publisher and spiritual entrepreneur, to explore how dreams, and intuition reshaped his life. From sex with his soul-self to conversations with ancient Persian sultans, Ralf shares candidly about death, rebirth, and the creative power of expanded consciousness. It’s a story of heartbreak, transformation, and discovering that the spiritual path doesn’t have to begin in the jungle—it can start with a walk past a horse paddock in Germany.✨ “You don’t change your life in one journey. The transformation is forever.” – Ralf Daab✨ “What if the Sultan was God, the Universe…and You?” – Ralf Daab🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Ralf left the fast-paced world of international publishing for inner healing and mindfulness ([00:13:00])The unexpected impact of channeling, spiritual entrepreneurship, and synchronicity ([00:27:00], [01:04:00])Why ancient Persia and a mystical Sultan guided Ralf toward his creative mission ([00:36:00])How a recurring dream of a plane crash resolved through psychedelic insight ([00:55:00])What dying at age 96 on a beach in France taught him about living fully now ([00:59:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Ralf and Rupert meet during a chance encounter while picking up horse poo in Germany ([00:03:00])Ralf’s first journey: flying with birds and experiencing Earth from space ([00:30:00])The Sultan appears again and says, “I am God, the Universe… and You.” ([00:39:00])Channeling guidance in early morning states, leading to unexpected new business ventures ([01:04:00])Ralf dancing on a beach in France after accepting death and realizing he was 16 again ([01:01:00])📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Ralf Daab – High on Living publishing house and his book: Da Bist Ja Wieder: 32 Episoden (Self-published) https://amzn.to/3IM031zRupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land https://longridehome.com/books🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride Home: Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems: Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

Filmmaker Craig Foster (My Octopus Teacher) and wildlife sculptor-naturalist George Bumann return to Live Free Ride Free for a sweeping, soul-deep conversation on rewilding the human spirit. With Rupert Isaacson, they dive into the healing force of biodiversity, the true meaning of conflict resolution, and why tracking—not just animals, but ourselves—is essential for becoming fully alive. From snails in beer bottles to raven politics at the dump, they explore how the smallest natural encounters offer the biggest epiphanies. This episode is an invitation to reclaim our 3-million-year-old blueprint for joy, freedom, and kinship with all beings.✨ “You feel the beating heart of the intertidal in your own beating heart.” – Craig Foster✨ “Noticing is the beginning of healing.” – George Bumann🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why extreme biodiversity supercharges physical vitality and mental clarity ([00:04:00])How conflict dissolves when we're in kinship with more-than-human communities ([00:19:00])Why tracking—animals, people, and ourselves—is the original language of connection ([00:33:00])What George learned about group dynamics and animal behavior from Yellowstone’s wolves and ravens ([00:45:00])How sculpting, storytelling, and species documentation help heal our cultural broken-heartedness ([00:58:00])What happens to human consciousness when we spend uninterrupted time in nature ([01:06:00])Why snails, magpies, ravens, and city foxes may be more important than elephants and whales ([01:17:00])The myth of separation: how the illusion of “self vs. nature” feeds personal suffering ([01:30:00])How ego functions in wild systems vs. modern society—and how culture can recalibrate it ([01:39:00])How George and Craig help people rewild through art, archives, biodiversity, and beauty ([01:53:00])The final invitation: how noticing becomes a daily ritual of reconnection and joy ([02:03:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Craig’s experience of pure vitality on a pristine research island—surrounded by mantas, sharks, and rays ([00:02:00])George’s intimate vocal impressions of coyotes, wolves, and elk—including one he heard that morning ([00:07:00], [01:13:00])What snails in beer bottles near Miami taught Craig about resilience and belonging ([02:06:00])The concept of Mother Nature as the ultimate shareholder of all human endeavors ([00:29:00])What happens when children in urban schools are given cameras—and how their perception shifts over days ([00:18:00])George’s ravens at the dump: what “vermin” reveal about the power of noticing ([02:09:00])Craig’s octopus friend who walks bipedally and eats sharks—and lets Craig film her doing it ([02:22:00])📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Craig Foster – My Octopus Teacher, Sea Change Project (https://seachangeproject.com)1001 Sea Forest Species ProjectGeorge Bumann – Wildlife sculptor, educator, and naturalist (https://georgebumann.com)David Graeber – The Dawn of Everything https://amzn.to/464fE6eBates Method – Natural eyesight restoration https://amzn.to/4kFMqhFDr. Chantel Prat – The Neuroscience of You https://amzn.to/3TFhPWsRupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land https://longridehome.com/books-ru/ 🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride Home: Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems: Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

Dr. Ben Conner, professor of practical theology and founder of the Center for Disability and Ministry, joins Rupert Isaacson for a radical rethinking of Christianity and environmentalism. From reinterpreting "dominion" in Genesis to empowering neurodivergent voices in ministry, Ben challenges assumptions about American evangelicalism, conservation, and the role of theology in planetary healing. Together, they explore how to reconnect children, horses, and communities to a sense of sacred kinship with nature—through wonder, embodiment, and relational theology.✨ “Maybe the vocation of a mountain is just to be a mountain.” – Ben Conner✨ "Jesus in the wilderness was being re-nurtured by creation itself." – Ben Conner🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why many American evangelicals misunderstand the concept of "dominion" in Genesis ([00:07:00])The roots of Christianity’s alienation from nature: Enlightenment rationalism, individualism, and soul-saving escapism ([00:14:00])How children (especially neurodivergent ones) teach us to see God through curiosity and wonder ([00:48:00])Practical steps to re-integrate theology, land, and disability in ministry and daily life ([00:52:00])The theology of kinship: how mountains, rivers, horses, and people are all called into vocation ([01:07:00])The idea that Christianity is often more about identity and power than faith in Christ himself ([01:15:00])Rupert's comparison of CS Lewis and Tolkien as hidden eco-theologians ([01:26:00])Creating church outside: the rise of Wild Church and Refugia communities ([01:30:00])Ben's story of his son recovering from brain trauma and becoming his teacher in theology ([01:36:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Why many American evangelicals misunderstand dominion and where that theology came from ([00:07:00])The Enlightenment-era origins of individualistic Christianity in the U.S. ([00:14:00])"You aren't seeing the rabbit anymore. You're seeing yourself and the schemes and appetites you bring to the world." – Matthew Scully, quoted by Ben ([00:35:00])Why start theology with children and people with disabilities ([00:48:00])Horses have vocations too: understanding agency, refusal, and partnership ([01:06:00])How Ben's son, initially disabled, became a theological teacher ([01:36:00])📚 Books, Thinkers, and Movements Mentioned:Thomas Berry – *The Sacred Universe *https://amzn.to/4ltj1rJDavid Clough – *Creaturely Theology *https://amzn.to/4kbRslFVictoria Loorz – Church of the Wild (and the Wild Church Network) https://amzn.to/4lx1GydMatthew Scully – *Dominion *https://amzn.to/4erqXr2Randy Woodley – Harmony Way & Indigenous Christianity https://amzn.to/4lv6UucPatty Krawec – *Becoming Kin *https://amzn.to/3TPCjvyFour Arrows – *Restoring the Kinship Worldview *https://amzn.to/4kazIXTDeb Rienstra – *Refugia Faith https://amzn.to/4khixUO *A Rocha USA (https://arocha.org)🛍️ Contact Ben Conner:Center for Disability and Ministry: https://westernsem.edu/center-for-disability-and-ministryFaculty Page: https://www.westernsem.edu/faculty/conner/Podcast: Disabling the Church🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home: Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems: Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

"The foundation of Western rationalism? A series of mystical dreams."Artist, philosopher, and occult scholar Dr. Justin Sledge joins Rupert Isaacson to illuminate a forgotten dimension of Western thought. With over 870,000 YouTube followers on his channel Esoterica, Dr. Sledge has built a global audience passionate about the academic study of magic, mysticism, and esotericism. In this fast-moving and rigorously researched conversation, Justin pulls back the curtain on the mystical roots of rationalism, the dream logic behind Descartes, and how occult traditions shaped the very sciences that claim to have left them behind.Why should we care? Because the stories we’re told about history shape the world we live in now—and as it turns out, much of what we consider to be modern, empirical, or secular is deeply rooted in visions, divine languages, and hermetic transmissions.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Descartes founded modern philosophy after a mystical dream ([00:14:58])How John Dee “downloaded” an angelic language and changed history ([00:11:15])What Judaism really says about the afterlife—and how it’s changed over time ([01:44:00])Why ancient aliens and Atlantis myths persist despite zero evidence ([01:02:29])The origins of Western esotericism and how they shaped Newton, Leibniz, and Spinoza ([00:13:00])Why witch trials targeted women, but occultist men survived with status ([00:50:00])How occult philosophies were hidden in plain sight in Enlightenment thinking ([01:10:00])What Gobekli Tepe, Egyptian afterlife myths, and Enochian grammar have in common ([01:22:00])The mystical tension between religious tradition and rational skepticism ([01:33:00])How Justin grew a massive global audience for deep esoteric study on YouTube ([02:00:10])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:"If you wake up in heaven, you should be angry. That’s hell." ([01:36:01])Justin describes reading 16th-century Latin texts as a teenager ([00:11:15])Rupert confronts academia’s discomfort with magic’s role in rationalism ([00:20:00])Justin explains why he believes religion creates meaning—not literal truths ([00:27:00])A conversation about Yahweh’s evolution from tribal god to sole deity ([00:40:00])Justin's take on Gobekli Tepe and why its burial is stranger than its building ([01:22:00])How Judaism splits the afterlife timeline: Sheol, Heaven, Reincarnation ([01:44:00])"The past isn’t dead. It’s not even past." – William Faulkner quoted ([02:14:00])📚 Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Dr. Justin Sledge: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannelWebsite: https://www.justinsledge.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannelRare Bookstore: https://www.esotericaoccultbooks.com/Study Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/Related Episodes: Craig Foster – My Octopus Teacher & Amphibious Soul: https://youtu.be/X1-tZ_XhvUoEmelie Cajsdotter – Talking to Forest Spirits: https://youtu.be/YOUR-LINK-HEREWarwick Schiller – Journey On Podcast: https://youtu.be/sTeXpmGc8Ls🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride Home: Website: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems: Website: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems🎧 Browse Our Playlists: Live Free Ride Free: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUcRPFFblvSlyVsZX682F63uQ5WpiZNfuEquine Assisted World: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8f9kQxaWe5Fv25usp3pXM9rLZR2VyUYz💡 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Artist, regenerative grazier, and rewilding facilitator Nick Viney joins Rupert Isaacson for an expansive conversation from the wilds of Dartmoor to the edges of imagination. With boots-on-the-ground wisdom from 20 years of land restoration, livestock management, and community-building, Nick makes a compelling case for restoring ecosystems through play, art, and radical listening. This episode is a masterclass in how to bring trees back, slow the water, and let the wild shape us.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The forgotten role of imagination in restoring landscapes (Starts at [00:03:00])How regenerative grazing works and why it's not “just moving cows” (Starts at [00:12:36])A real-world experiment: 40 years of non-grazed land on Dartmoor (Starts at [00:31:16])The critical role of beavers and why they’re returning to the UK (Starts at [00:47:00])Why reintroducing wolves might be inevitable — and good for everyone (Starts at [01:13:00])How art can spark environmental change and communicate complexity (Starts at [01:27:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:How she revived her artistic self after years of working for others ([00:02:00])Nick describes the joy of animals grazing fresh pasture every day — "It's pristine every single day" ([00:12:36])Rupert and Nick debate whether Britain is still a forest landscape or not ([00:19:25])What a bramble patch teaches us about songbirds and tree nurseries ([00:32:00])The haunting power of glow worms and how they reflect land recovery ([01:45:00])📚 Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Websites:Nick Viney Art & Projects: https://nickviney.co.ukGlamping & Land Connection: https://rewildingfutures.co.ukBeaver Watching & Rewilding Coombeshead: https://rewildingcoombeshead.co.ukOther Rewilders Mentioned:Róisín Campbell-PalmerGerhard Schwab (Bavaria)Derek Gow (UK)Books:Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm by Isabella Tree – https://amzn.to/43j3DbjConferences:"If Not Now, When: See Beyond" (July 25–27, 2025) – Rewilding CoombesheadRewilding Coombeshead Conference by Derek Gow (July 26–27) – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/keep-it-wild/t-kraexje🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride Home:Website: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems:Website: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems💡 Affiliate Disclosure:Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Farrier, ultra-runner, and Derby training guide Stevie Delahunt joins Rupert Isaacson for a surprising, funny, and soulful conversation that gallops through Patagonia, Mongolia, Oregon, and the inner landscapes of fear, boredom, and awe. They unpack the difference between trauma and triumph, how endurance sports can help rewire the brain, and what it means to truly listen to animals, land, and spirit. Whether you’re derby-curious, nature-hungry, or wondering how to make a more meaningful life with your horses, this one’s a ride.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Type 2 Fun, Trauma, and Triumph (Starts at [00:02:00])Stevie explains the now-legendary classification of fun and how it relates to challenge, fear, and resilience.How Endurance Racing Became a Spiritual Path (Starts at [00:06:00])From half-marathons to the Mongol Derby, Stevie shares how testing her body helped her discover her spirit.The Mongol Derby and the Ego Question (Starts at [00:24:00])Rupert and Stevie unpack why winning might not be the point, and what spiritual seekers are really after.Why Boredom Might Be the Enemy of Mental Health (Starts at [00:35:00])A deep dive into boredom, awe, loneliness, and the human need for challenge and connection.Psilocybin and the Herd: Inter-Species Conversations (Starts at [01:06:00])Stevie describes what happens when she microdoses with horses present and what they've taught her.Spiritual Mentors, Trees, and Land Consciousness (Starts at [01:40:00])From reindeer in Mongolia to juniper groves in Oregon, Stevie discusses what it means to hear land and trees speak.Nomadism and the Restoration of Wonder (Starts at [01:55:00])Why mobility may be the cure for modern malaise, and how Stevie is redesigning her life and business accordingly.🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Rupert and Stevie explore how trauma and triumph often share a border zone of spiritual insight ([00:05:00])What Stevie learned about love from a mare named Sparta under the influence of psilocybin ([01:08:00])A snowstorm in Patagonia turns life-threatening, and fire becomes salvation ([01:33:00])Rupert and Stevie debate whether the spiritual path should involve competition at all ([00:26:00])The surprising intelligence and opinion of a horse named Sonic who wants to roam free ([01:11:00])Why we may need risk and awe as much as we need oxygen ([01:13:00])📚 Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Websites:Stevie Delahunt’s equine training & coaching: https://intergalacticequine.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/adventuristbarbie🌎 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems💡 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

🚨 Support the Cornwall Rainforest Research Station: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-cornwall-rainforest-commRobin and Merlin Hanbury-Tenison are currently raising funds to build the UK's first Atlantic rainforest research station through their Thousand Year Trust. This station will serve as a hub for groundbreaking studies into biodiversity, climate resilience, and the mental health benefits of temperate forests. The crowdfunder is live until May 21st, 2025, and donations will be matched by Aviva—with additional matched funding unlocked if the target is reached.Legendary explorer and indigenous rights activist Robin Hanbury-Tenison OBE, DL, DSc, DHc, MA, FLS, FRGS, and his son Merlin Hanbury-Tenison—veteran, conservationist, and author—join Rupert Isaacson for a deeply hopeful, multigenerational conversation about the revival of Britain’s ancient rainforests. From leading Britain’s largest-ever scientific expedition into the Borneo rainforest, to launching the UK’s first Atlantic temperate rainforest research station, the Hanbury-Tenisons are weaving together indigenous wisdom, military resilience, climate science, and future-forward ecology. This wide-ranging episode explores rewilding, cultural change, land access, trauma recovery, and how to heal both people and the land—together.🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Cracking the Rainforest Code (Starts at [00:03:03]) Robin reveals how his Borneo expedition uncovered the self-contained nutrient cycle of tropical rainforests and why this discovery matters more than ever.Britain Was a Rainforest (Starts at [00:08:00]) Merlin explains how 20% of the UK was once covered by rainforest, and why reclaiming that heritage is vital to the nation’s identity and ecology.Healing in the Forest (Starts at [00:06:00]) Hear how Merlin, his wife Lizzie, and Robin himself all found profound healing from trauma and illness within their patch of Atlantic rainforest in Cornwall.The Sheep Problem (Starts at [00:16:00]) The surprising story of how non-native sheep transformed Britain's landscapes—and how that continues to affect biodiversity today.The Rewilded Farm: Cabilla Cornwall (Starts at [00:21:21]) Merlin describes transforming a 250-acre family farm into a working model of rainforest restoration and regenerative agroforestry.A Blueprint for Upland Farming’s Future (Starts at [00:22:00]) Can a small-scale reforestation project create scalable, profitable farming solutions for the next generation? Merlin thinks so.The Economic Case for Rewilding (Starts at [00:24:00]) Carbon markets, ecotourism, and a post-Brexit subsidy system: How today’s farmers can make more money from forest than from sheep.Access and Culture (Starts at [00:27:00]) Robin and Merlin reflect on how to balance ecological restoration with public access, cultural heritage, and resistance to change.From Survival International to the Thousand Year Trust (Starts at [00:52:00]) Robin and Merlin connect the dots between indigenous wisdom and rewilding Britain—from the Kalahari to Cornwall.An Optimist’s Vision of 3025 (Starts at [01:00:00]) Merlin lays out two possible futures for humanity: a Mad Max apocalypse or a thriving rewilded world. He believes we can choose the latter.🌲 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Merlin reveals how beavers and temperate rainforest help prevent flooding, drought, and mental health decline ([00:08:00])Robin recalls telling Margaret Thatcher the truth about tropical deforestation—and nearly getting handbagged for it ([00:13:05])Rupert imagines a British rainforest safari system, with wolves, lynx, and eco-lodges connecting restored farms ([00:48:00])Robin advocates for riding horses through a rewilded Britain as the most profound way to experience the land ([00:57:00])Merlin explains how spending 30 minutes in a temperate rainforest can drop your cortisol levels for two weeks ([01:13:00])Learn more about Robin Hanbury-Tenison:Website: https://www.robinsbooks.co.uk Learn more about Merlin Hanbury-Tenison:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merlin-hanbury-tenison-a069b636Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merlinhanburytenison Follow the Thousand Year Trust:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thousandyeartrustWebsite: https://www.thousandyeartrust.org Visit Cabilla Cornwall:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cabillacornwallWebsite: https://www.cabillacornwall.com Read Merlin’s new book:Our Oaken Bones: Reviving a Family, a Farm and Britain’s Ancient Rainforests: https://amzn.to/3GvStaj See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Website: https://rupertisaacson.com Follow Us:Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems🪺 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, childhood trauma, and emotional abuse. If these topics may be triggering, we suggest skipping this episode or proceeding with care. If you or someone you know is affected by such experiences or is contemplating suicide, please seek support from qualified professionals and local mental health resources.Emelie Cajsdotter—author, healer, and founder of a unique animal sanctuary in western Sweden—joins Rupert Isaacson for a sweeping, emotional, and revelatory conversation that bridges grief, neurodivergence, trauma, ancestral healing, and the reality of interspecies communication. With gentle intensity, Emelie recounts a childhood shaped by loss and isolation, and the moment a defiant pony broke through her emotional shutdown—igniting a lifelong journey of empathic interbeing with animals, ancestors, and nature spirits. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to listen to another being—not interpret, not impose, but truly inhabit their experience—this conversation will change you.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Origins of Empathic Interbeing (Starts at [00:03:24])Discover how Emelie conceptualizes her experience of merging consciousness with other beings, and how this connection reshaped her life.The Tragic and Transformational Early Years (Starts at [00:04:20])A powerful account of Emelie's father's death and her upbringing by a psychic grandmother in urban Gothenburg.The Healing Begins: A Pony Who Refused to Break (Starts at [00:45:00])Learn how a combative chestnut mare became the mirror that helped Emelie reclaim her will to live.When the Horse Says No: Redefining Respect (Starts at [00:54:00])Explore how the long process of trust-building with this pony revealed a new framework for healing and training.Finding the Right Medicine (Starts at [01:04:00])Hear how a chance newspaper clipping led Emelie to a New Zealand vet who changed the trajectory of her work and life.Nature Spirits and the Real World of Forest Beings (Starts at [01:14:00])Emelie shares the moment forest spirits began to appear in her life, how they taught her about plants, and what they expect from us.Relationship Without Domination (Starts at [02:13:00])Rupert and Emelie reflect on how to partner with animals beyond hierarchy and how this philosophy plays out in both their lives.🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Rupert and Emelie dissect why conventional animal communication often fails to reflect the animal’s true perspective ([00:02:00])The unforgettable first moment of full empathic merger between Emelie and a seemingly hostile pony ([00:48:00])The figure in the dark: a terrifying turning point during Emelie’s adolescent identity crisis ([01:11:00])How samba drumming and a fellow student helped Emelie find her own rhythm and life path ([01:16:00])Why the forest is not symbolic, but literally alive and relational—a reality that reveals itself when we listen ([01:22:00])The water spirits of Greenland, and what they teach about memory, time, and healing ([02:08:00])📚 Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Websites:Emelie Cajsdotter’s courses & school: https://www.miothewayofcompassion.comAnimal sanctuary and nonprofit: https://www.friendsofmiyo.com🌎 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems💡 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

George Bumann—sculptor, wildlife researcher, educator, and author—joins Rupert Isaacson for a profound conversation exploring how animals communicate, what it means to truly listen to the natural world, and how this understanding can transform our inner and outer lives. George, who lives just outside Yellowstone National Park, offers insights drawn from decades of tracking wolves, grizzlies, elk, and bison, as well as from his unique perspective as both an artist and scientist. Remarkably, George can mimic the calls of animals like crows and wolves so precisely that he is able to call them in—and, even more importantly, he understands what those calls mean. This episode invites you to experience nature not just as an observer, but as a participant in its language.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Art of Listening to Animals (Starts at [00:02:20]) – Discover how tuning into wildlife vocalizations deepens your connection with nature.Understanding Wolf Language (Starts at [00:27:30]) – Learn what wolf howls, barks, and yips reveal about their family dynamics and emotional states.Empathy and Emotional Intelligence in Wildlife (Starts at [00:36:00]) – Consider the emotional and social intelligence of animals like bears and wolves.Learning to Track with the Ears (Starts at [00:44:20]) – Gain insights into acoustic tracking and listening as a primary sensory tool.How Artistic Practice Deepens Animal Understanding (Starts at [00:52:00]) – Discover how sculpting animals refines observation and empathy.Teaching Children the Language of the Wild (Starts at [01:06:00]) – See how nature-based listening empowers and grounds young learners.The Inner Wilderness (Starts at [01:13:00]) – Explore how connecting with wildness helps heal internal disconnection.Calling the Animals: A Deeper Dive into Mimicry (Starts at [01:42:00]) – Hear how George uses mimicry to communicate directly with wild animals.Field Encounters That Shift Worldviews (Starts at [01:51:00]) – Reflect on how real-time animal experiences can transform human understanding.Conservation Through Emotional Connection (Starts at [02:06:00]) – Discover how empathy drives deeper conservation efforts.🎧 Memorable Moments from the Episode:George describes how a single bark from a wolf can carry multiple meanings depending on pitch, pacing, and context ([00:27:50])A moving story of a bison mother and her calf that teaches a powerful lesson in patience and presence ([00:38:00])George and Rupert reflect on how grief shows up in animal communities, and how recognizing this can shift our own relationship to mourning ([01:11:00])A captivating example of acoustic mimicry and the moment George successfully called in a raven during a forest walk ([01:42:15])A transformative encounter between a young student and a wolf pup that sparks a conversation on education and presence ([01:53:00])George shares how a single elk bugle at dusk can carry emotional nuance, context, and ecological awareness across a valley ([02:06:45])📚 Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Websites:Eavesdropping on Animals: What We Can Learn From Wildlife Conversations https://amzn.to/4iSJU7DGeorge Bumann: https://georgebumann.comA Yellowstone Life: https://ayellowstonelife.comYellowstone Summit: https://yellowstonesummit.com🌎 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌐 Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride Home🌐 Website: https://longridehome.com📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh📸 Instagram:  https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh🎥 YouTube:  https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website: https://ntls.co📘 Facebook:  https://facebook.com/horseboyworld📸 Instagram:  https://instagram.com/horseboyworld🎥 YouTube:  https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems💡 Affiliate Disclosure:Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson dives deep into the intersection of holistic health, biohacking, and consciousness with Dr. Har Hari Khalsa, a Los Angeles-based chiropractor, yogi, and pioneer in integrative medicine. Together, they explore the power of vibration and frequency in healing—from chiropractic care to scalar waves—and how our relationship with nature, technology, and ancient wisdom holds the key to true well-being.📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:From Pain to Purpose (Starts at [00:01:40]) – Dr. Har Hari recounts his personal story of debilitating chronic pain in his 20s, and how chiropractic care changed his life trajectory.The Evolution and Suppression of Chiropractic (Starts at [00:03:00]) – Why chiropractic medicine has remained controversial despite over a century of success and how it differs from osteopathy.Biohacking the Body: Vibration, Light, and Magnetism (Starts at [00:12:00]) – A breakdown of technologies like PEMF, red light therapy, hyperbarics, and their effects on mitochondria, stem cells, and aging.Living in a Toxic World (Starts at [00:11:00]) – A discussion on the 80,000+ environmental toxins we face today and how healing practices must adapt to modern stressors.The Spiritual Science of Sikhism (Starts at [00:22:00]) – Har Hari shares his personal spiritual journey from Jewish upbringing to becoming a Sikh, including prophetic dreams and his time in a Boulder ashram.Scalar Waves and Quantum Healing (Starts at [01:39:00]) – What scalar energy is, how it differs from EMFs, and how devices like the CyberScan use these principles for extraordinary diagnostics and healing.✨ Memorable Moments from the Episode:Rupert and Har Hari trade stories about poo and microbiome health (Starts at [00:16:00]).Rupert plays devil’s advocate, questioning whether our time is really more toxic than previous centuries (Starts at [00:12:00]).The connection between militarism and mysticism in Sikh history—and how Har Hari’s past life visions led him there (Starts at [00:26:00]).The role of play in healing: from yoga to laughter therapy, the conversation closes on joy as the ultimate medicine (Starts at [01:57:00]).🚀 Action Steps from Dr. Har Hari:Explore Holistic Therapies – Look into chiropractic care, PEMF, red light, and hyperbarics as tools for vitality and healing.Reconnect with Nature – Kick off your shoes, lie under a tree, breathe in the biome—free, accessible medicine.Practice Short Daily Yoga – Even 3 to 11 minutes of breath and movement can rewire your system.Question the Matrix – Stay awake to media groupthink and cultivate mental sovereignty.📚 Books, Programs & Contact:🌐 Clinic & Contact: Transformational Healing Universe (THU): https://thuheal.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/thuheal📲 Devices & Tools Mentioned: CyberScan | StemWave | Sigma Instrument | PEMF Tables | Red Light Panels | Hyperbaric Chambers📡 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: 🌎 https://rupertisaacson.com📢 Follow Us: 🐴 Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome🐎 New Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems💡 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with art historian, educator, and filmmaker Tom Parsons. With a career spanning decades, Tom shares his fascinating journey from studying art history to working with youth, fostering creativity, and inspiring a love for aesthetics and self-expression. He discusses the importance of art, personal growth, and the value of risk-taking and play in a fulfilled life.📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:A Lifelong Love for Art History (Starts at [00:03:00]) – Tom recounts his unexpected journey into the world of art, sparked by a single revelatory moment in an art history lecture.The Transformative Power of Art (Starts at [00:10:00]) – How experiencing great art can shape our understanding of ourselves, history, and society.The Role of Risk and Play in Life and Learning (Starts at [00:22:00]) – Why risk-taking, adventure, and breaking a few rules can be essential to personal and intellectual growth.The Importance of Teaching and Mentorship (Starts at [00:40:00]) – Tom’s experiences teaching art history in schools, museums, and abroad, and how education extends beyond the classroom.Spoke: The Fusion of Art, Film, and Education (Starts at [00:55:00]) – How Tom founded Spoke, a competition that empowers students to create films based on art and poetry.Living a Self-Determined Life (Starts at [01:10:00]) – Reflections on how following one's passion and staying open to change leads to a meaningful and fulfilling life.✨ Memorable Moments from the Episode:Tom’s unexpected discovery of art history after attending a lecture while recovering from a hangover (Starts at [00:05:30]).The exhilarating and dangerous experience of climbing the York Minster scaffolding as a student (Starts at [00:20:45]).A gripping story of navigating a tense moment while working at a heroin rehab center in Hong Kong (Starts at [00:30:00]).How teaching art history became a way of giving back and fostering a love of creativity in young people (Starts at [00:50:00]).🚀 Action Steps from Tom:Engage with Art – Visit a museum, explore a gallery, or even just observe a painting with fresh eyes to understand its deeper meaning.Encourage Play and Risk – Find ways to integrate adventure, play, and a bit of healthy rule-breaking into your life for deeper learning and fulfillment.Support Young Artists and Filmmakers – Check out the Spoke competition and other programs that nurture creativity and storytelling.Explore History with an Open Mind – Look at the past not just as history, but as a way to understand and connect with the present.🎬 Programs:Spoke Competition: https://spokecompetition.comArt History Lectures with Tom Parsons: https://tomparsons.org📲 Follow Tom Parsons:Facebook: https://facebook.com/tomparsonsartInstagram: https://instagram.com/tomparsonsartWebsite: https://tomparsons.org📡 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌎 https://rupertisaacson.com📢 Follow Us:🐴 Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome🐎 New Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems💡 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Lainie Liberti, world traveler, author, and founder of Transformative Mentoring for Teens and Project World School, joins Rupert Isaacson in this inspiring episode of Live Free Ride Free. She shares her remarkable journey of leaving behind conventional life to travel the world with her son, Miro, and the profound lessons she has learned about education, partnership parenting, and teen mental health along the way.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Breaking Free from the Conventional Life (Starts at [00:02:00]): Lainie shares the story of how the 2008 economic crash led her to rethink everything, culminating in her decision to embark on a life of full-time travel with her son.Worldschooling and Self-Directed Learning (Starts at [00:10:00]): Discover the philosophy behind worldschooling, the power of experiential learning, and how it allows children to develop curiosity, independence, and a deep connection to the world.Parenting Through Partnership (Starts at [00:25:00]): Lainie discusses how she cultivated a parent-child relationship based on mutual respect, collaboration, and trust rather than authoritarian control.Teen Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence (Starts at [00:40:00]): Learn how Lainie supports teens in developing emotional intelligence and resilience through her Transformative Mentoring for Teens program.Building a Business with Your Teen (Starts at [00:55:00]): Hear how Lainie and Miro turned their passion for worldschooling into a movement, creating Project World School and a thriving board game café in Mexico.The Power of Play in Learning and Mental Health (Starts at [01:10:00]): Explore how play and gaming are crucial to cognitive and emotional development, and why Lainie believes every family should embrace board games.Memorable Moments from the Episode:Lainie’s spontaneous decision to leave behind a lucrative career for a life of travel ([00:03:30]).How Miro adapted to worldschooling and the unconventional education system they created ([00:15:45]).A powerful discussion on breaking free from internalized childhood conditioning and limiting beliefs ([00:35:00]).The unexpected evolution of their journey into global teen retreats and mentoring ([00:50:00]).Action Steps from Lainie:Embrace Self-Directed Learning – Give your child more autonomy in their education and watch them flourish.Explore Play as a Learning Tool – Incorporate board games and creative play into your family culture.Rethink Parenting as a Partnership – Shift from control to collaboration for a more fulfilling parent-child relationship.Step Outside Your Comfort Zone – Whether through travel or simply new experiences, growth comes from embracing the unknown.Books, Courses & Contact:Books:Seen, Heard, and Understood: Parenting and Partnering with Teens for Greater Mental Health – https://amzn.to/419zb13Programs:Project World School: https://projectworldschool.comTransformative Mentoring for Teens: https://transformativementoringforteens.comFollow Lainie Liberti:Facebook: https://facebook.com/projectworldschoolInstagram: https://www.https://instagram.com/projectworldschool/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@projectworldschoolSee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌐 https://rupertisaacson.comFollow Us:Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystemsAffiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Bestselling author J.D. Barker joins Rupert Isaacson for an in-depth discussion about his journey from ghostwriting and book doctoring to becoming a globally recognized thriller writer. With endorsements from Stephen King and collaborations with James Patterson, Barker shares his insights into writing gripping fiction, navigating the publishing world, and his experience as an autistic author. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring writers, thriller lovers, and anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes workings of the literary world.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:From Books as a Safe Haven to a Writing Career (Starts at [00:03:00]) – Barker recounts his early fascination with books and how reading became his refuge as an autistic child.The Journey from Ghostwriting to Bestselling Author (Starts at [00:10:00]) – How working behind the scenes on bestselling books shaped Barker’s approach to storytelling and publishing.Stephen King’s Endorsement and Breaking Into Horror (Starts at [00:25:00]) – The incredible story of how Barker got permission to use a Stephen King character and the impact it had on launching his career.The Business of Writing: Indie vs. Traditional Publishing (Starts at [00:45:00]) – Barker discusses his experiences with both self-publishing and working with major publishing houses, including the pros and cons of each path.Co-Authoring with James Patterson (Starts at [01:10:00]) – What it’s like to work with one of the biggest names in publishing and how collaborations shape his writing process.How Autism Influences His Writing and Career (Starts at [01:25:00]) – Barker shares how being on the autism spectrum has impacted his storytelling, social interactions, and approach to problem-solving.Building a Publishing Empire (Starts at [01:35:00]) – From writing to founding a book marketing company, Barker reveals his strategies for navigating the ever-changing publishing landscape.Advice for Aspiring Authors (Starts at [01:45:00]) – Practical tips on breaking into the industry, securing an agent, and making a living as a writer.Memorable Moments from the Episode:Barker’s unexpected autism diagnosis in his 20s and how it changed his perspective on life and writing ([00:04:00]).The wild story of how he attempted to visit Stephen King’s house and ended up getting a personal email from the horror master himself ([00:22:00]).A deep dive into Hollywood’s adaptation process and why so many books get optioned but never made into films ([00:29:00]).The surprising impact of TikTok on book sales and how Barker leveraged social media influencers to boost his titles ([00:40:00]).Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Books by J.D. Barker:Forsaken: https://amzn.to/4jQxD4tThe Fourth Monkey: https://amzn.to/3EzFfZ5Dracul (with Dacre Stoker): https://amzn.to/4jQ3d2nShe Has a Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be: https://amzn.to/3EzAwqkWe Don’t Talk About Emma (New Release!): https://amzn.to/3CUPcQ7The Writer (with James Patterson): https://amzn.to/3CA35TZSomething I Keep Upstairs (Upcoming Release - May 2025): https://amzn.to/3CUP579Find J.D. Barker Online:🌐 Website: https://jdbarker.com📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/therealjdbarker📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdbarker_author/🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jdbarker_author🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jdbarkerSee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌐 Website: https://rupertisaacson.comFollow Us:Long Ride Home🌐 Website: https://longridehome.com📘 Facebook: facebook.com/longridehome.lrh📸 Instagram: instagram.com/longridehome_lrh🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website: https://ntls.co📘 Facebook: facebook.com/horseboyworld📸 Instagram: instagram.com/horseboyworld🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystemsAffiliate Disclosure:Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and share!Photo Credit: Ruth Ganev

Craig Foster, renowned naturalist, filmmaker, and co-creator of the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, joins Rupert Isaacson for a second captivating discussion. This episode dives deeper into the ancient human art of tracking, its profound connection to mental health, and how it can rewire the brain for resilience, belonging, and joy. Craig shares stories of his immersive tracking experiences in Cape Town’s kelp forests and beyond, emphasizing the healing and unifying power of this primal practice.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Tracking as a Pathway to Belonging (Starts at [00:03:00]):Craig reflects on how tracking helps humans reconnect with nature and themselves, fostering a deep sense of purpose and security.Mental Health and the Oldest Language (Starts at [00:10:00]):Explore the psychological benefits of tracking, from reducing stress to fostering curiosity and joy through close observation of the natural world.Empathy Through Tracking (Starts at [00:25:00]):Rupert and Craig discuss how tracking builds empathy, not only for animals but also for fellow humans and the environment, bridging the gap between nature and human well-being.How to Begin Tracking Anywhere (Starts at [00:45:00]):Craig offers simple strategies for tracking in urban and suburban settings, showing how even observing a single species like a dragonfly or a slug can transform one’s connection to the world.The Transformative Power of One Creature (Starts at [01:33:00]):Craig explains how focusing on just one animal can fundamentally change your perspective, foster curiosity, and bring happiness. By observing a single species, you gain insight into its world, which, in turn, transforms your own psyche.Curiosity: A Key to Happiness (Starts at [01:25:00]):Learn why curiosity must be cultivated to experience joy and fulfillment. Tracking and stepping into an animal’s world provide a deeply satisfying and transformative experience that reconnects you with nature and yourself.Tracking as a Tool for Cognitive Health (Starts at [01:25:00]):Learn how tracking can potentially stave off mental decline, improve neural plasticity, and become an integral part of education, workplace wellness, and elder care.Step into the Animal’s World (Starts at [01:35:00]):Craig emphasizes the importance of immersing yourself in an animal’s life to feel your psyche change and grow. Whether it’s a dragonfly, slug, or bird, this intimate connection fosters mental health and a sense of belonging.The Importance of a Tracking Journal (Starts at [01:45:00]):Documenting your observations in a tracking journal allows you to grow your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the natural world. This simple yet profound practice sharpens curiosity and creates a personal record of your evolving relationship with nature.Creating a Group for Tracking and Journaling (Starts at [01:50:00]):Craig and Rupert discuss the power of connecting with others to share tracking experiences and observations. Collaborative efforts enrich the learning process and foster community, bringing additional layers of fulfillment to this practice.Memorable Moments from the Episode:Craig recounts an extraordinary day of tracking baboons, cocktail ants, and lizards in Cape Town, unraveling a complex ecosystem story ([00:04:00]).A discussion on how urban environments, like London or airports, can still offer fascinating tracking opportunities, from slug trails to human behavioral patterns ([00:13:00]).Craig reveals the transformative power of immersing oneself in a biodiverse environment, sharing how it radically impacts mental health ([00:46:00]).Rupert proposes the intriguing question of whether the natural world observes and empathizes with humans in return ([01:59:00]).Books, Films, Causes & Contact:Books:Amphibious Soul: https://amzn.to/3WrMJ6LThe Great Dance: https://amzn.to/3Y6YeBOFilms:My Octopus Teacher: Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0LTDhqe5ANetflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81045007Causes & Organizations:Sea Change Project: https://seachangeproject.comSee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌐 Website: https://rupertisaacson.comFollow Us:Long Ride Home🌐 Website: https://longridehome.com📘 Facebook: facebook.com/longridehome.lrh📸 Instagram: instagram.com/longridehome_lrh🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website: https://ntls.co📘 Facebook: facebook.com/horseboyworld📸 Instagram: instagram.com/horseboyworld🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystemsAffiliate Disclosure:Links to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Rebecca Didier is the managing editor of Trafalgar Square  Books, the premier publisher of equestrian and horse-related books in the United States. With over 23 years of experience, Rebecca has been instrumental in shaping the world of equestrian publishing, blending her love of literature, design, and horses. From her early days learning to ride in Vermont to becoming a key figure in the publishing world, Rebecca’s journey is a testament to her dedication and passion.In this episode of Live Free, Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson explores Rebecca’s path into publishing, her thoughts on the importance of books in preserving horse culture, and the unique challenges of publishing high-quality equestrian literature in a digital age. Rebecca also shares anecdotes from her life, insights into working with authors, and the magic of creating books that bring joy to readers and honor the equestrian world.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeRebecca’s Journey to Trafalgar Square  Books (Starts at [00:02:00])Rebecca shares her journey from growing up horse-obsessed in Vermont to becoming a key figure in equestrian publishing. She recounts her early love of writing, her college years, and her path to joining Trafalgar Square  Books .The Role of Horses in Literature (Starts at [00:12:00]Rebecca discusses the vital role that books play in preserving and celebrating equine culture and history, and how she helps authors bring their stories to life.Challenges of Publishing in the Digital Era (Starts at [00:30:00])Rebecca talks about balancing tradition and innovation in publishing, the impact of AI on editing and writing, and the enduring appeal of printed books in a screen-dominated world.Creating Meaningful Stories (Starts at [00:50:00])Rebecca reflects on her most memorable projects, including collaborations with equestrian legends and producing books that blend practical knowledge with emotional storytelling.Connecting People Through Horses (Starts at [01:10:00])Rebecca shares personal insights into how horses foster emotional connections, inspire creativity, and bring communities together.Memorable Moments from the EpisodeRebecca recounts her early days as a rider in Vermont and how those experiences shaped her love of horses ([00:03:00]).Reflections on working with authors like Linda Tellington-Jones and creating books that resonate deeply with equestrians ([00:25:00]).Insights into the unique challenges of editing practical horse-care books and ensuring accessibility for readers ([00:40:00]).A discussion on the importance of preserving horse traditions while embracing modern storytelling methods ([00:55:00]).Rebecca’s heartfelt story about finding joy and healing through riding and literature ([01:15:00]).Books Mentioned in This EpisodeRecommended by Rebecca Didier:H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald (https://amzn.to/4fUa6MJ)Wyoming Summer by Mary O'Hara (out of print) (https://amzn.to/4ahtS3K)Never Burn Your Moving Boxes: A True Tale of a Real-Life Cowboy Wife by Jolyn Young (https://amzn.to/42iM3UD))Distant Skies: An American Journey on Horseback by Melissa Chapman (https://amzn.to/40zUvhd)The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson (https://amzn.to/42gEqyc)Additional Titles Mentioned:To Borrow Freedom: Riding Down a Dream on the Coast of Portugal by Sheila Greenfield (https://amzn.to/42gxroO)How To Be A Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery (https://amzn.to/40kT04W)The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery (https://amzn.to/3WIewQn)Liberty Biscuit by Melanie Sue Bowles (https://amzn.to/3DSoKqu)Little Pearl by Melanie Sue Bowles (https://amzn.to/4hdzTAI)Contact Rebecca Didier and Trafalgar Square Books 🌐 Website: https://trafalgarbooks.com/pages/about-us📇 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccadidier/See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows🌐 https://rupertisaacson.comFollow UsLong Ride Home🌐 Website: https://longridehome.com📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website: https://ntls.co📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystemsAffiliate DisclosureLinks to books and products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Bridging Divides Through Art and Connection with Ari HonarvarAri Honarvar is an award-winning writer, speaker, artist, and peacebuilder. As the founder of Rumi With A View, she uses art, music, and Persian mystical poetry to create healing spaces and build bridges between communities divided by conflict and trauma. Ari’s work has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, Teen Vogue, and The New York Times, and she serves as the Iranian Musical Ambassador of Peace.Ari facilitates "Resilience through Joy" workshops for refugees and volunteers on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and in Europe. Her critically acclaimed debut novel, A Girl Called Rumi, interweaves Persian mythology with a deeply personal narrative of survival, resilience, and healing, earning accolades such as being a Nautilus Award Winner and one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2022. Additionally, Ari is the creator of Rumi's Gift Oracle Deck, an inspiring blend of her translations, meditations, and artwork.In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson reconnects with Ari after many years to explore her transformative journey. Together, they discuss the intersection of art and activism, the healing power of Persian poetry, and the unique ways Ari inspires unity in a divided world.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Ari’s Journey to Rumi With A View (Starts at 1:00)Ari shares their path from growing up in Iran to founding Rumi With A View, combining their love for art, poetry, and community healing.The Role of Art in Healing Divides (Starts at 6:00)Ari discusses how Persian poetry and music have become tools to bridge cultural and personal divides, fostering unity.Creating Safe Spaces for Healing (Starts at 15:30)Ari elaborates on their work with war-affected communities, highlighting the importance of creating spaces where art and conversation can lead to transformation.Intersection of Mysticism and Activism (Starts at 25:00)Learn how Ari’s work intertwines mystical Persian traditions with modern activism to inspire hope and action.The Power of Dance and Movement (Starts at 33:15)Ari and Rupert reflect on their shared history in ecstatic dance and its role in fostering connection and joy.Memorable Moments from the Episode:Ari shares the story of founding Rumi With A View and its mission to heal divides through art (1:30).An inspiring account of using Persian poetry in workshops to help individuals reconnect with their inner selves (20:45).Rupert and Ari reminisce about their ecstatic dance experiences and the unique bonds formed through movement (35:00).A touching story about a war survivor finding solace in poetry during a challenging time (42:15).Reflections on how mystical traditions can inform modern approaches to activism and healing (50:00).Contact Ari Honarvar:🌐 Website: https://rumiwithaview.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/rumiwithaview🖋️ Substack: https://arihonarvar.substack.com/📖 A Girl Called Rumi: https://amzn.to/40iLyIXSee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌐 https://rupertisaacson.comFollow Us:Long Ride Home🌐 Website: https://longridehome.com📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website: https://ntls.co📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems

Finding Balance: Technology, Racehorses, and Thrilling Stories with Victor BahnaVictor Bahna is a tech industry veteran, thoroughbred racing enthusiast, and the author of the gripping new thriller, Heliacal Star. Based in Seattle, Victor has seamlessly blended his passions for technology and racehorses into a life filled with discovery, balance, and storytelling. In his debut novel, Heliacal Star, Victor explores the thrilling yet darker sides of the racing industry, creating a narrative that captivates and informs. In this episode, Victor shares his unique journey, insights into horse racing and the tech world, and lessons learned from the therapeutic bond with his retired racehorses.About Heliacal StarHeliacal Star is an exhilarating and emotional novel centered on the rich history and thrilling atmosphere of thoroughbred racing. It offers gripping moments of suspense that build at a great pace as the plot thickens, keeping readers on edge. Learn More at https://victorbahna.comWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeVictor’s Journey from Tech to Racehorses and Writing (Starts at 1:00) Victor discusses growing up in Long Island, his transition into the tech world, and how a passion for racehorses rekindled his creative pursuits.Life Lessons from the Track (Starts at 12:30) From his first experiences with racehorses to founding Royal Victory Thoroughbreds, Victor shares the challenges and joys of owning and breeding thoroughbreds.The Writing Process for Heliacal Star (Starts at 25:00) Victor dives into the inspirations for his novel, how he self-published it, and its message about reform in the racing industry.Balancing Tech Stress with the Healing Power of Retired Racehorses (Starts at 35:45) Victor reveals how working with retired racehorses has profoundly influenced his approach to leadership, emotional regulation, and personal growth.The Future of Horse Racing and Ethical Breeding (Starts at 50:15) A deep dive into Victor’s hopes for the racing industry, including reforms and the importance of giving racehorses meaningful lives beyond the track.Memorable Moments from the EpisodeThe transformative impact of riding and caring for retired racehorses on Victor’s approach to stress and relationships (36:00).How Heliacal Star highlights issues within the racing industry while honoring its legacy (26:30).Victor's humorous yet insightful story of his early foray into betting and racehorse ownership (10:15).The therapeutic lessons racehorses taught Victor, from de-escalation to building trust (38:45).Contact Victor Bahna🌐 Website: victorbahna.com📖 Purchase Heliacal Star on AmazonSee All of Rupert's Programs and Shows🌐 Rupert IsaacsonFollow UsLong Ride Home🌐 Website | 📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 🎥 YouTubeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website | 📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 🎥 YouTube