Born Free Method: The Podcast

Amanda Borucki is a women’s health coach and FAMM-certified practitioner who helps people ditch the guesswork and actually understand their cycles. Her journey started the way many do — a doctor handed her the pill at 20, and she spent six years on it before realizing the side effects weren’t worth the trade. A copper IUD came next, which she remembers as “the painful thing I’ve ever experienced” and followed by the kind of periods no one signs up for, and the pain never fully resided after its removal. Eventually she divorced and turned to fertility awareness. Now she teaches others how to chart, how to spot what their bodies are saying, and how to make informed choices about hormones, health, and fertility. Amanda comes to the podcast after having joined Born Free Method three years ago, and we are excited to one day support her through her births! You can work with Amanda through her website. You can enroll in her next online course cohort under the Courses tab.* 00:14:05 - Women Often Judge Women for Adjusting Their Lives Around Their CyclesAmanda shared her journey with contraception and body literacy, from early ignorance to painful experiences with hormonal birth control and a copper IUD. These challenges deepened her empathy and inspired her to coach others in understanding their cycles. Amanda also shares her disdain for having been compelled so long to live in her masculine.* 00:22:20 - Education & Conditioning to Be Afraid of PregnancyShe reflected on how cultural and religious conditioning fueled fear and misinformation about reproduction. Her experiences—including her husband’s vasectomy reversal, which re-sealed and now he is considering reoperation—led to a deeper respect for menstrual health. * 00:53:03 - How can you use fertility tracking to determine the ideal time to have sex to get pregnant? Or avoid pregnancy? Amanda emphasized charting ovulation through basal body temperature and cervical mucus—“nature’s sperm hotel”—as more effective than LH strips or apps. Stress, diet, and lifestyle all affect ovulation, making body awareness essential. Amanda explained the difference between true menstruation and withdrawal or breakthrough bleeding, Your ovulatory cycle and menstruation are vital signs! This is the crux of her upcoming six-week online course (starting Oct 14; code NATHAN10 for 10% off) covering anatomy, physiology, fertility charting to determine your fertile window, and how to modify lifestyle and environment to adjust the tracked metrics to optimize your health and fertility. * 01:25:10 - Nutrition, Environment, and Lifestyle Impact FertilityAmanda has found that caloric intake and especially protein intake are the most common issues pertaining to a suboptimal ovulatory cycle and fertility. She emphasizes the role of protein in fertility, noting that under-eating and poorly planned vegan diets can disrupt cycles. Amanda highlighted animal protein’s benefits but encouraged intentional nutrition for all diets. * 01:35:33 - Learning About Your Cycle is a Means of Reclaiming Your HealthThrough her personal story and professional training, Amanda empowers women to track cycles, prevent or achieve pregnancy naturally, and reclaim reproductive confidence. Her coaching (and fertility awareness tracking in general) is also relevant to the menopausal transition.You can work with Amanda through her website. Find her on Instagram.You can enroll in her next online course cohort under the Courses tab. Code NATHAN10 gets you 10% off this cohort and future cohorts!References from the conversation:* Lily Nichols, RDN* Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, BA, FAE* Real Food for Fertility: Prepare your body for pregnancy with preconception nutrition and fertility awareness, by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack and Lily Nichols* The Fifth Vital Sign: Master Your Cycles & Optimize Your Fertility, by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack* DUTCH Testing - Nathan is very good at reading these if you are interested* Miracare Cycle Hormone Tracking - code BORNFREE15 for 15% off* Her Biorhythm online course - useful for further modifying your lifesty/environment after you’ve used fertility awareness charting to distinguish the four phases of your cycleShow notes can be found on SubstackRelated episodes:* Beyond Ovulation Apps: Building a Real Women’s Health Operating System with Kirsten Karchmer* Your OBGYN Didn’t Learn About Nutritional Support for Fertility, with Lily Nichols, RDN, and Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, FAE* Tracking your sex hormones at home with the Mira Hormone Monitor* Kelly Ruef, ND and DUTCH TestingThis episode was sponsored by Born Free Method.The Born Free Method digital playground includes over 60 hrs of pre-recorded lessons (w/ slides) spread out over 180+ lessons when you enroll. You will also be invited to a Zoom call (recorded) every other week hosted by me, Sara, and both. We also often have guest speakers, and you will have access to recordings for all 100+ of our past calls/interviews.* 12-month access is $750* Lifetime access is $3997 (This option comes with some other perks as well, including direct support from me and Sara for life by phone/text/email)* Fertility Deep Dive ($499) if you just want to focus on pre-conception planning and fertility, but this content is included in both of our other offerings above.We have payment plans available for the lifetime package, and we have discounts available for any of our programs for students and birthworkers. Just shoot Nathan and Sara an email: support@bornfreemethod.comWork with Nathan:Support for Midwives | Private Consultation | Born Free Method | Clear & Free | Twins-BreechMedical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5 Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Payam walks the threshold between worlds—as Spirit Walker, Medicine Carrier, and Lecturer—where ancestral wisdom converges with contemporary science. His vocation is the orchestration of healing journeys that dissolve trauma, recalibrate the psyche, and awaken the soul’s remembrance of wholeness.Initiated through extensive apprenticeships with visionaries such as Dr. Richard Schwartz, Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Mia Leijssen, and Dr. Isa Gucciardi, his formation spans Internal Family Systems, Compassionate Inquiry, existential and somatic practices, and psychedelic integration. Augmenting this with post-graduate study in trauma, contemplative neuroscience, and psychedelic-assisted therapies at institutions including the Nalanda Institute, Horizons, and Princeton University, he embodies a synthesis of rigorous scholarship and embodied mysticism.Through international collaborations with physicians, psychiatrists, and healers, Payam curates sacred containers that weave together shamanic lineage, somatic intelligence, and evidence-based modalities—inviting participants to transmute pain into purpose, and silence into song.This conversation is a deep exploration of medicine, ceremony, and healing—bridging psychedelics, spirituality, and tradition with questions of safety, authenticity, and integration…all of which are critical to birthwork.* 00:05:10 - Rapé Drop-In and Origins of This PracticePayam and Nathan began their conversation with a breathing exercise and meditation, focusing on healing and balancing energy. They then discussed the importance of rapé (“Ha-pay”), a practice that involves journeying and exploration of the mind and spirit. Nathan asked Payam about Hape’s origins and significance, expressing curiosity about its role in his work. They also discuss the importance of recognizing the masculine and feminine within all of us. Payam discussed the use of rapé, a medicine made from Mapacho, for grounding and connecting with spirits, and its application in energy work and ceremonies. He explained the energetic and spiritual significance of masculine and feminine qualities, associated with the right and left sides of the body respectively, and emphasized the importance of integrating these qualities for personal growth and healing. Nathan inquired about the practical application of these concepts during ceremonies, and Payam shared insights about warrior archetypes and energy work, highlighting the role of energy medicine in activating and discharging these archetypes.* 00:27:00 - Holding Ceremony as Consciousness ExplorationAre hallucinations real even if they don’t fit into our physical experience of reality in a clear way? Nathan and Payam discussed the nature and purpose of ceremonies, emphasizing their role as safe spaces for exploring consciousness and the self. They highlighted the concept of the “relativization of the self” and the importance of intention and setting in creating a meaningful and safe experience. Payam shared his understanding of ceremonies as a way to connect with the wisdom of spirits and gain insights into the bigger picture, while Nathan compared the experience to exploring different facets of the self in a “playground.” They also touched on the relevance of ceremonies in understanding inner and societal polarities, suggesting that they can foster a sense of unity and shared humanity. What do we mean when we say “the world is losing it’s mind”?* 00:38:45 - Psychedelics Can Be Healing Within the Appropriate Container and IntegrationNathan and Payam discussed the potential risks and benefits of using psychedelic substances, particularly in unstructured settings like Burning Man. Payam emphasized the importance of proper ceremony and facilitation when working with these substances, explaining how he carefully manages energy fields and participant states during his work. Nathan shared his own experiences with psychedelics, both positive and negative, and agreed with Payam that these substances can be harmful when used without proper integration and ceremony. They also touched on the idea that those in power may exploit chaos and disorder for their own benefit.* 00:45:20 - Birth, Death, and Psychedelic CeremonyPayam and Nathan discussed the importance of intention and respect in spiritual and medical practices, drawing parallels between childbirth and psychedelic medicine ceremonies. They explored how Western medical approaches, such as controlled clinical trials and hospital births, may contrast with traditional, more natural methods. Nathan shared an example from his fellowship experience where a university proposed a clinical trial for psilocybin that involved a controlled hospital setting, which he questioned could potentially undermine the intended therapeutic effects. Both agreed that a more supportive and respectful environment might be more beneficial for such experiences.* 00:50:10 - Psychedelic Therapies Are Probaby Not Best Done in a Clinical SettingNathan and Payam discussed the parallels between clinical settings and psychedelic experiences, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment rather than controlling the process. Payam shared his experiences with facilitating healing from sexual trauma during ceremonies, highlighting the need for skilled facilitators who can support individuals in releasing trauma without re-traumatization. They also explored the limitations of Western medicine and its extractive nature, with Payam reflecting on his journey from a scientific background to recognizing the need for a more holistic approach to healing. Nathan shared a personal story about healing from religious disillusion, describing how reconnecting with the spiritual essence of ancient traditions helped him forgive dogmatic teaching. * 01:04:50 - Authentic vs Commercialized Medicine PracticesPayam expressed concerns about Western institutions co-opting and corrupting Earth medicine traditions, contrasting them with authentic community-based practices where medicine carriers are elected by the community for collective healing. The discussion highlighted a fundamental distinction between profit-driven institutional approaches to psychedelics and authentic community-based medicine practices, with Payam emphasizing his commitment to avoid commercialization while acknowledging the need to sustain himself financially.* 01:11:16 - You Don’t Need an Intercessor; You Are the ChurchPayam discussed the concept of religious institutions as funnels for spiritual experiences, emphasizing the role of the intercessor and the importance of being an empty vessel for spiritual medicine. He explained that the best ceremonies involve doing nothing, allowing the spiritual process to unfold naturally. Nathan and Payam explored how this challenges traditional religious and therapeutic approaches, with Payam comparing the role of a spirit walker to that of a therapist in a psychedelic setting. They discussed the potential threats that such spiritual practices pose to established institutions and the importance of personal spiritual experience over reliance on intermediaries.* 01:19:40 - Are All Synthetics Problematic?Payam and Nathan discussed the use of various medicines, including synthetic drugs like MDMA and ketamine, as well as natural substances like mushrooms. Payam explained that MDMA is an analgesic and anxiolytic that can help individuals access and process hidden traumas. He emphasized the importance of working with spirit medicine before using synthetic substances, as it can prepare the individual for the insights gained from synthetic drugs. Nathan highlighted the challenge of balancing the use of medicines, whether synthetic or natural, and the need to approach them with respect and understanding rather than seeing them as good or bad. * 01:28:05 - Rites of Passage in Modern SocietyPayam discussed the distinction between “black medicines” (opioids, heroin) and “white medicines” (therapeutic drugs) and emphasized the importance of proper guidance and maturity when using psychedelic substances. He highlighted the lack of traditional rites of passage and elders in Western society, which he believes contributes to social issues among youth. When is a person old enough to “safely” use these medicines. Nathan and Payam agreed that the absence of elderhood and proper initiation processes is a significant issue facing the Western world today.* 01:38:00 - Balancing Material and Spiritual HealingPayam also shared his personal spiritual journey not having been raised within a religion, including his connection to ancestral wisdom and experiences with various spiritual entities. Nathan and Payam discussed the balance between material and spiritual realms, emphasizing the importance of integrating both in personal growth and medicine work. Payam shared his process for working with clients, which includes preparation, ceremony, and integration phases, often involving a team of specialists. They also touched on the potential of psychedelics in preparing for parenthood and the need for a holistic approach to healing. Nathan expressed interest in connecting with Payam for further exploration of these topics.Contact Payam through his website.References from the conversation:* Start working with rapé and other (legal) sacred medicines: Four Visions or Sacred Connection* Ram Dass (formerly Richard Alpert)* Payam’s appearance on the Spirit Gym Podcast with Paul Chek* Alicia Allison, doula and member of Payam’s teamShow notes can be found on SubstackRelated episodes:* Jennifer Summerfeldt: Any birthing experience can result in physical and psychological trauma if it’s not integrated with the sacred act of what it is* Kimberly Ann Johnson: On Grieving the Loss of Sanctity in Birth* Hamilton Souther: On the Use of Plant Medicines in Releasing Birth TraumaThis episode was sponsored by Born Free Method.The Born Free Method digital playground includes over 60 hrs of pre-recorded lessons (w/ slides) spread out over 180+ lessons when you enroll. You will also be invited to a Zoom call (recorded) every other week hosted by me, Sara, and both. We also often have guest speakers, and you will have access to recordings for all 100+ of our past calls/interviews.* 12-month access is $750* Lifetime access is $3997 (This option comes with some other perks as well, including direct support from me and Sara for life by phone/text/email)* Fertility Deep Dive ($499) if you just want to focus on pre-conception planning and fertility, but this content is included in both of our other offerings above.We have payment plans available for the lifetime package, and we have discounts available for any of our programs for students and birthworkers. Just shoot Nathan and Sara an email: support@bornfreemethod.com Work with Nathan:Support for Midwives | Private Consultation | Born Free Method | Clear & Free | Twins-BreechMedical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5 Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Kirsten Karchmer, MS, M.Ed, is a health-tech pioneer, board-certified reproductive acupuncturist, and an innovator in women’s fertility and menstrual health. She is the Founder & CEO of Conceivable Technologies, a platform that leverages AI and machine-learning to identify fertility-impacting factors and offer personalized interventions at a fraction of the cost of IVF. With two decades of clinical experience, Kirsten has treated thousands of women, developing proprietary infertility assessment and treatment protocols focused not just on conception but overall reproductive wellness. She also founded Brazen, a company dedicated to helping people with periods through all-natural formulas and education around menstrual health. Kirsten has been recognized on multiple fronts: her company Conceivable has won awards like “Most Innovative Health Tech Startup” (by MedTech, 2015) and “Best Fertility App” (by Healthline, 2016). She is also the author of Seeing Red: The One Book Every Woman Needs to Read. Period.00:01:30 - Kirsten lives with multiple sclerosis, well-controlled through environmental modification. After acupunture school, she realized that menstruation provides quite a few clues to what’s going on in a woman’s overall health. We discuss the value of experience over credentials.00:05:55 - Definitions within Chinese medicine: meridians, qi/chi, and moxibustion 00:15:20 - Technique for turning breech babies with moxibustion00:18:15 - Kirsten shares her experience of losing her period while a competitive gymnast in her adolescence. We discuss the role of stress in the development of abnormal periods, wounded warriors, and the dangers of impossible beauty standards on women’s health.00:24:00 - It’s never one organ system that is wholly responsible for fertility issues or abnormal periods. Kirsten surveyed 16,000 woman about their menstrual cycles, and the results were (not so) surprising. We also found common ground on the limits of blood work, LH strips, and many ovulation tracking technologies. Lastly, perhaps we should we be aiming for “optimal” not “normal” when we talk about menstrual periods.00:33:30 - Men are being ignored in fertility workups and interventions. Also: we discuss why the supplement industry sucks. 00:42:20 - As far as “lifestyle” modification goes, sleep is king. We discuss heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring, and a new wearable ring developed by Kirsten herself that also measures blood sugar. We go deeper on her new app, fertility awareness methods, and addressing BBT abnormalities in supporting pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).00:51:20 - Nathan also asked Kirsten about perspectives of blood in Chinese medicine. Kirsten also took the opportunity to emphasize ways in which menstrual blood can tell you so much about a women’s digestion, nourishment, etc. We end with a conversation on stigma around menstruation. 00:58:35 - Lastly, Kirsten and Nathan discuss the role of fathers in normalizing menstruation, and Kirsten shares a “power play move” for fathers of young children. Follow Kirsten on Instagram and Tiktok. Download the Conceivable App (only for iPhone)Notes for this episode are found on SubstackReferences from the show:* Fifth Vital Sign, by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack* The Body Electric: Electromagnetism And The Foundation Of Life, by Robert Becker and Gary SeldenRelated episodes:* My new favorite prenatal and fertility vitamin with Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim of WeNatal* Your OBGYN Didn't Learn About Nutritional Support for Fertility, with Lily Nichols, RDN, and Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, FAE* Nicole Jardim: On Fixing Your PeriodThis episode was sponsored by Born Free Method.The Born Free Method digital playground includes over 60 hrs of pre-recorded lessons (w/ slides) spread out over 180+ lessons when you enroll. You will also be invited to a Zoom call (recorded) every other week hosted by me, Sara, and both. We also often have guest speakers, and you will have access to recordings for all 100+ of our past calls/interviews.* 12-month access is $750* Lifetime access is $3997 (This option comes with some other perks as well, including direct support from me and Sara for life by phone/text/email)* Fertility Deep Dive ($499) if you just want to focus on pre-conception planning and fertility, but this content is included in both of our other offerings above.We have payment plans available for the lifetime package, and we have discounts available for any of our programs for students and birthworkers. Just shoot Nathan and Sara an email: support@bornfreemethod.com .Work with Nathan:Support for Midwives | Private Consultation | Born Free Method | Clear & Free | Twins-BreechMedical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5 Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

This is a replay of my original conversation with the late Michel Odent, MD, when I interviewed him in 2023 at the ripe age of 92. Here is a summary of our conversation…(transcript is available on Substack)Our cultural conditioning tells us that women aren’t capable of giving birth independently and that we should apply every possible intervention to reduce the difficulties associated with childbirth. For Michel Odent, that’s a neutralization of the laws of natural selection.Early in his career, Michel worked as the only doctor in a maternity unit with six midwives. He took a deep interest in their experiences and asked them questions that changed his thoughts on birth work. As a general surgeon, he credits a lot to his interdisciplinary perspective. He believes that’s what allows him to make connections that other overly-specialized people do not.Michel is a legend in the maternity care space and has been a hero of mine for many years. This interview was such an honor.Dr. Odent died August 19, 2025.00:12:00 - Dr Odent was trained as a general surgeon, before cesarean has been “perfected”. After military service, where he learned the technique, he became the head of the surgical section of the maternity unit at a Parisian hospital and he became a keen observer of the environment of birth, in a department welcoming 1000 babies per year.00:20:30 - We are asking the wrong question in our efforts at-large to fix maternity care. Instead of asking “why is birth difficult?”, perhaps we should be asking “why are some births easy?” We are overestimating the importance of mechanics. Why are some births seemingly more easy and even enjoyable than others?00:27:40 - The socialization of child birth and domination of nature starting 10000 years ago with agriculture has been a fatal error, and we must now back track to right the ship. This error coincides with the time during which human beings became (perhaps overly) domesticated themselves. 00:37:15 - When considering interventions in childbirth, the point is not to forget (or overemphasize) the benefits of surgery on occasion. We also discuss oxytocin versus Pitocin®, the fake stuff, and the role of neocortex activation in disturbing childbirth. Changing maternity care requires us to change our culture such that women are left undisturbed unless absolutely necessary to meet their goals. 00:46:10 - Michel’s perspective as a general surgeon invited into maternity care by necessity has helped him appreciate the value of an interdisciplinary approach to birth. He touches on the changes to the maternal brain through MRI imaging, reflecting the need to de-socialize prior to birth, which supports focused maternal-neonatal bonding postpartum. Michel also comments on the need to de-specialize. 00:49:45 - We have neutralized the principles of natural selection, in birth and death, and this was a turning point in the story of humankind. We also pontificate on the impacts of our war against nature on the planet at large. Lastly, we touch on the Aquatic Ape Theory, exploring the association between chronic human illness and our drifting away from shorelines. Michel Odent's Books will live on forever…Find them here. (Start with the Functions of the Orgasms)Notes for this episode are found on SubstackRelated episodes:* Helping Your Baby Navigate the Pelvis with Nicole Morales and Gail Tully* Mini-Sode: Carol Gautschi, a classical midwife, needs midwives to re-member the essence of midwifery* Oxytocin, Orgasm, and Love - An interview with Sue Carter, PhD, the world's expert on the "love hormone"This episode was sponsored by Born Free Method.The Born Free Method digital playground includes over 60 hrs of pre-recorded lessons (w/ slides) spread out over 180+ lessons when you enroll. You will also be invited to a Zoom call (recorded) every other week hosted by me, Sara, and both. We also often have guest speakers, and you will have access to recordings for all 100+ of our past calls/interviews.* 12-month access is $750* Lifetime access is $3997 (This option comes with some other perks as well, including direct support from me and Sara for life by phone/text/email)* Fertility Deep Dive ($499) if you just want to focus on pre-conception planning and fertility, but this content is included in both of our other offerings above.We have payment plans available for the lifetime package, and we have discounts available for any of our programs for students and birthworkers. Just shoot Nathan and Sara an email: support@bornfreemethod.com .Work with Nathan:Support for Midwives | Private Consultation | Born Free Method | Clear & Free | Twins-BreechMedical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5 Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Jes Reynolds is a registered physiotherapist and holistic health practitioner, and the driving force behind The Wellness Element. Drawing on her personal experience with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), she now empowers pregnant women to prevent and reverse severe morning sickness through natural, root‑cause solutions—no medications required—and helps them feel strong, nourished, and energized throughout their pregnancy.00:03:28 - Holistic Pregnancy Health ManagementJes shared her personal experience with pregnancy-related health issues, including preeclampsia, cholestasis, and hyperemesis, and how she used a low histamine diet and other interventions to manage her symptoms. She explained that her approach was not arbitrary but based on her clinical experience and research, including insights from Dr. Ben Lynch. Jes emphasized the importance of a personalized and holistic assessment when working with clients, considering factors such as liver function, gut health, nervous system, and kidney function. She also discussed the potential for clients to reintroduce restricted foods after pregnancy, depending on their individual needs and responses.00:12:20 - Liver-Kidney Detoxification PathwaysNathan and Jes discussed the complex relationship between the liver and kidneys, highlighting how the kidneys serve as a backup detoxification pathway when the liver is not functioning optimally. They explored the benefits of glandular support, particularly organ meats, and the importance of addressing nutrient deficiencies to optimize liver detoxification processes. Jes shared her experience with raw liver consumption postpartum to address hair loss and explained the timeline of histamine-related symptoms during pregnancy. They also discussed the role of vitamins and nutrients as cofactors in detoxification pathways, emphasizing the body's complex processes for protecting and eliminating toxins.00:34:00 - Preconception Health: Emotional and Energetic FactorsJes and Nathan discussed holistic approaches to pregnancy and preconception health, focusing on emotional and energetic factors that may influence health outcomes. Jes emphasized the importance of addressing emotional resistance to pregnancy, particularly in type-A accomplished women, and highlighted the role of somatic practices and emotional release in supporting liver function and overall health. They explored the concept of epigenetics and the potential to influence future generations through preconception health practices. Nathan and Jes agreed that allowing oneself to feel and process emotions, rather than suppressing them, is crucial for both individual well-being and the health of children.00:45:25 - Pregnancy Detox and Nutrition ProgramJes discussed her approach to detoxification and cleansing, emphasizing the importance of addressing the body's terrain and supporting natural detoxification processes. She shared her experience with star anise as a safe herb for pregnant women and explained her upcoming program, "The Human Blueprint," designed for women planning future pregnancies. Jes also highlighted the significance of digestive strength in nutrient absorption and addressed common pregnancy issues like food aversions, suggesting that they are often linked to the body's need to conserve energy. Nathan encouraged Jes to share her expertise with others and mentioned plans to refer clients to her. They also touch on MTFHR gene mutations and their implication in HG.00:51:35 - Collaborative Approach to HG TreatmentJes discussed her holistic approach to treating hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) by connecting different medical silos and emphasized the importance of collaboration in healthcare, sharing an example from her work in the UK where daily team meetings improved patient outcomes. She explained her journey from physiotherapy to a broader health practice focused on pregnancy and postpartum care, and shared her rebranding efforts to better reflect this focus. Nathan expressed support for her work and discussed the need for more curiosity and openness in the medical field, suggesting a future where practitioners like Jes could be easily accessed for various health needs.Connect with Jes on Instagram. Listen to her podcast. And check out her practice.References from the show:* Dirty Genes: A Revolutionary Approach to Health and Wellness Through Nutritional Genetics and Personalized Plans for a Happier, Healthier, by Ben Lynch, ND* Low Histamine Diet 101This episode was sponsored by Born Free Method.The Born Free Method digital playground includes over 60 hrs of pre-recorded lessons (w/ slides) spread out over 180+ lessons when you enroll. You will also be invited to a Zoom call (recorded) every other week hosted by me, Sara, and both. We also often have guest speakers, and you will have access to recordings for all 100+ of our past calls/interviews.* 12-month access is $750* Lifetime access is $3997 (This option comes with some other perks as well, including direct support from me and Sara for life by phone/text/email)* Fertility Deep Dive ($499) if you just want to focus on pre-conception planning and fertility, but this content is included in both of our other offerings above.We have payment plans available for the lifetime package, and we have discounts available for any of our programs for students and birthworkers. Just shoot Nathan and Sara an email: support@bornfreemethod.com .Notes for this episode are found on SubstackWork with Nathan:Support for Midwives | Private Consultation | Born Free Method | Clear & Free | Twins-BreechMedical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5 Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Nathan interviews Kyle Kingsbury, a former UFC combatant, about fatherhood, self-mastery, and personal growth. Kyle shares his transformation from a performance-driven lifestyle to embracing emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, highlighting the importance of addressing past traumas and building self-awareness through practices like meditation and plant medicine. The discussion emphasizes the significance of presence and play in parenting, the evolving roles of men and women in the family, and the need to prioritize relationships over material success. Kyle advocates for building supportive communities and tribes, recognizing the unique challenges modern parents face. He introduces his upcoming online community, retreats, and courses designed to foster connection, movement, and holistic health. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability, continuous growth, and the central role of family in a fulfilling life. * 0:00:23 Introduction, Kyle’s impact as a friend and teacher* 0:10:54 - Kyle’s personal journey: struggles, mental health, and transformation* 0:19:00 - Physical fitness, self-experimentation, and the role of fighting in self-awareness* 0:22:20 - Meditation practices and their impact on self-mastery* 0:30:55 - Emotional health, vulnerability, and the importance of crying and purging* 0:36:51 - Coaching clients: integrating physical, mental, and emotional health* 0:44:04 - Overcoming stereotypes as a coach* 0:47:43 - Parenting, fatherhood, and the importance of presence and play* 1:04:06 - Lifelong parenting, imprinting, and reprioritizing after becoming a parent* 1:13:49 - Redefining masculinity, work-life balance, and the role of fathers* 1:16:21 - The evolving role of women, matriarchy, and honoring the feminine* 1:22:17 - Summary: prioritizing family, embracing new archetypes, and advice for parents* 1:25:17 - Kyle’s new offerings: * Be among the first to work with Kyle and engage with his new online coaching community (Learn more). * You can also register for his upcoming Austin retreat: The Rising, which is an all-inclusive, 5-day immersive experience designed to reconnect you with your body, your food, and your purpose.Connect with Kyle on Instagram, and definitely check out his podcast! It’s one of my favorites…In this show, we also mentioned:* The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge — by Jeremy Narby* The Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less — by Greg McKeown* How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy! — by Paul ChekThis episode was sponsored by Born Free Method. The Born Free Method digital playground includes over 60 hrs of pre-recorded lessons (w/ slides) spread out over 180+ lessons when you enroll. You will also be invited to a Zoom call (recorded) every other week hosted by me, Sara, and both. We also often have guest speakers, and you will have access to recordings for all 100+ of our past calls/interviews.* 12-month access is $750* Lifetime access is $3997 (This option comes with some other perks as well, including direct support from me and Sara for life by phone/text/email)* Fertility Deep Dive ($499) if you just want to focus on pre-conception planning and fertility, but this content is included in both of our other offerings above.We have payment plans available for the lifetime package, and we have discounts available for any of our programs for students and birthworkers. Just shoot Nathan and Sara an email: support@bornfreemethod.com . Notes for this episode are found on SubstackWork with Nathan:Support for Midwives | Private Consultation | Born Free Method | Clear & Free | Twins-BreechMedical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5 Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

In this solo cast, I am not looking at data and reviewing journal articles. I’m pontificating on how we might reimagine the birth of children through the lens of “safety”. The nervous system responds to our environment, so the environment - including external inputs like sound and internal inputs like thoughts - will lead to physiologic changes throughout our bodies depending on whether our nervous systems are sensing safety. Ideally, we would all feel safe when the environment is safe, but this is unfortunately not the case for all adults, even in the “wealthy” United States. This is even more important when we consider a baby’s need to feel safe…To understand this in a more comprehensive way than we learn in medical school, I will be drawing on Polyvagal Theroy and the Perinatal Matrix Theory. If you’re unfamiliar, here is a synopsis of each:Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, PhD, explains how our autonomic nervous system regulates safety, connection, and defense. It describes three states: social engagement (ventral vagal), fight-or-flight (sympathetic), and shutdown (dorsal vagal). Understanding these helps explain trauma responses and how co-regulation and safety cues restore calm and connection.Stan Grof’s (MD) perinatal matrix theory links stages of birth to deep layers of the unconscious. He describes four Basic Perinatal Matrices (BPM I–IV): blissful womb, constriction, struggle through the birth canal, and birth/release. These stages shape emotional patterns, trauma, and spiritual experiences throughout life.The environment within which a baby develops is critical. We know this. So why wouldn’t the environment after birth matter just as much? And if we were to prioritize the optimization of the birth experience - for both the baby and his parents - would this lead to widespread changes in our world?It’s a lofty claim, but I think it’s possible. Enjoy this exploration. If you like this conversation, you’ll love the Born Free Method, as this solo-cast elaborates the cornerstone of my approach to childbirth alongside my best friend (and a badass midwife) Sara Rosser, CPM. You can access over 60 hrs of pre-recorded lessons (w/ slides) spread out over 180+ lessons when you enroll. You will also be invited to a Zoom call (recorded) every other week hosted by me, Sara, and both. We also often have guest speakers, and you will have access to recordings for all 100+ of our past calls/interviews. 12-month access is $750Lifetime access is $3997 (plus you get direct support from me and Sara for life by phone/text/email/whatever)We also offer a Fertility Deep Dive ($499) if you just want to focus on pre-conception planning and fertility, but this content is included in both of our other offerings above. We have payment plans available for the lifetime package, and we have discounts available for any of our programs for students and birthworkers. Just shoot us an email: support@bornfreemethod.comNotes for this episode are found on SubstackWork with Nathan:Support for Midwives | Private Consultation | Born Free Method | Clear & Free | Twins-BreechMedical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5 Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Trigger warning: This conversation exploring the depths of stillbirth. I met MaKayla Wonder a year or so ago, soon after she and her husband, Adam, experienced the devastation of a stillbirth. If the news of realizing their baby, Declan, had died in-utero wasn’t bad enough, their treatment in the hospital left them shattered, which brought them to the Born Free Method community. In this powerful conversation, MaKayla and Adam share the layered story of her journey to motherhood—one marked by the heartbreaking stillbirth of her son, Declan, and the redemptive birth of her daughter, Heidi. With honesty and grace, she recounts how fear, cultural conditioning, and a chaotic hospital experience left her feeling abandoned in her first birth journey. Seeking a different path, MaKayla turned inward, trusting her intuition and embracing the Born Free Method, which helped her heal and reclaim her power. Her story is not one of simple tragedy or triumph but of integration—holding space for both sorrow and joy, death and life, within one sacred womb. Through vulnerability and courage, MaKayla reminds us that birth is not just a medical event, but a profoundly spiritual and emotional rite of passage. This episode offers a tender and transformative look into the resilience of the human spirit and the wisdom of mothers. Here are some main topics we covered:* The Duality of Birth and Loss: The emotional complexity of holding space for both the grief of losing a baby and the joy of welcoming another.* The Impact of Medicalized Maternity Care: Reflections on the impersonal and disempowering aspects of her hospital experience, including a lack of support and clarity during her stillbirth.* Intuition vs. Intervention: MaKayla’s growing mistrust of the conventional birth system and her shift toward a more intuitive, personalized approach to pregnancy and birth.* The Born Free Method’s Role in Healing: How the support of the Born Free Method community helped her process her trauma, rebuild trust in her body, and approach her second birth with intention and support.* Honoring Both Stories: How mothers can integrate seemingly opposing birth experiences into a unified narrative—one that honors the child who died and celebrates the child who lives.This interview was a follow-up to an anonymous conversation with Makayla prior to her conceiving and birthing Heidi. That first conversation is available in our FREE Pregnancy Loss program also available at www.BornFreeMethod.com. If you’re interested in enrolling as a midwife or a student or if you’re a birthing family looking for support, head to www.BornFreeMethod.com. Code STUDENT50 gets you 50% if you enroll in the month of June!For our comprehensive digital playground, live calls, and lifetime, direct support), we also offer payment plans! (3-month and 12-month options)If you aren’t ready for the full investment, we offer a less-pricey but more limited Fertility Deep Dive. You can also pay a monthly subscription to simply attend our twice monthly live calls (and view past recordings).www.BornFreeMethod.comNotes for this episode are found on SubstackWork with Nathan:Support for Midwives | Private Consultation | Born Free Method | Clear & Free | Twins-BreechMedical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5 Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Born Free Method has undergone a makeover…a massive makeover. Our pet project is now the most comprehensive pregnancy support program on the planet, including 60+ hours of lessons, twice monthly recorded group calls (and access to the recordings of all past calls), a private community forum, and direct access to Nathan and Sara for life. After we had a moment to decompress from this massive undertaking, Sara and I sat down to reflect on the journey of launching Born Free Method back in May, 2023, and then rebuilding the whole program based on the feedback of our community and new insights from births that we have attended since the launch. The Born Free Method can best be described as a digital playground for seekers—students, midwives, birthing families, and misfits alike. Through our thriving community at the Born Free Method, we honor imperfection, speak to love and surrender to the current of childbirth. Through it all, one thread has emerged above all: community matters. The “data” or any curriculum proposed by a childbirth support program pales in comparison to the connections forged from direct support by an OBGYN and a midwife to birthing families, where stories are medicine, and transformation begins with telling the truth. This conversation dances between birth and belief, method and mystery. We explored public perception of birth choices, breastfeeding, and the brave work of reimagining maternity care. Amid reflections on family, mentorship, and fractured systems, a deeper current ran through this conversation: our ongoing courage to question, to hold space, to show up. And as a bridge between worlds…we are bound to get stepped on, which we discuss as well.Here is a sampling of what we cover in this conversation:* New updates to the Born Free Method, now redesigned as an interactive, self-guided platform with comprehensive explanation of low- and high-risk pregnancy and birth scenarios.* Reflections on the program’s evolution, emphasizing the importance of community feedback, personalization, and ongoing learning.* The importance of the supportive environment that we've built, where mentorship, vulnerability, and experiential learning are prioritized over rigid dogma.* Broader themes around faith, family dynamics, and control, linking personal stories to societal patterns of power and belief.If you’re interested in enrolling as a midwife or a student or if you’re a birthing family looking for support, head to www.bornfreemethod.com. Code STUDENT50 gets you 50% if you enroll in the month of June!For our comprehensive digital playground, live calls, and lifetime, direct support), we also offer payment plans! (3-month and 12-month options)If you aren’t ready for the full investment, we offer a less-pricey but more limited Fertility Deep Dive. You can also pay a monthly subscription to simply attend our twice monthly live calls (and view past recordings). www.BornFreeMethod.comMedical Disclaimer: Born Free Method: The Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.Music provided by RealMovieScores / Pond5 Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe