

Born Free Method: The Podcast
Nathan Riley
The institutions and individuals who run the world would like you to believe that you are powerless. That there's nothing you can do to improve the wellbeing of your family. That you aren't smart enough to understand shmancy science stuff. That eating and living well is too hard for most...so why try? That exercising your rights to informed consent and refusal is irresponsible. That having a birth on you terms, in your own home would be incorrigible. That pregnancy is a disease and childbirth is a medical procedure. That your symptoms are "all in your head". That cervical cancer is an inevitable consequence of HPV infection.
They're wrong. Welcome to your revolution. nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com
They're wrong. Welcome to your revolution. nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 15, 2023 • 1h 25min
Kimberly Ann Johnson: On Grieving the Loss of Sanctity in Birth
When we talk about birth as a sacred experience, it’s not about feeling no pain and golden light with classical music playing. It will be bloody and probably messy, but there’s a deep, transformative power when we embrace the rites of passage we’re meant to go through as humans.Those unmedicated, oxytocin-filled, physiological births are becoming a rarity, but they’re sacred. It means intact relationships, more empathy in the culture, and more people who have a sense of harmony with their environment. If we want to see a change in the world, we must consider how we bring babies into it.Today I’m joined by Kimberly Ann Johnson, a Sexological Bodyworker, Somatic Experiencing trauma resolution practitioner, yoga teacher, birth doula, and single mom. Kimberly is doing some unique work, and we’ve bonded over the role of hospital interventions in natural childbirth. She doesn’t shy away from the complex, controversial conversations, and she joins us to explore how we can start to repair the harm we’ve done as a society regarding birth.Visit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/110Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only sleep aid you'll ever need!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Harmony cacao blend!Learn MoreWebsite | KimberlyAnnJohnson.comPodcast | Sex Birth TraumaBook with Stephen Jenkinson | ReckoningInstagram @kimberly.ann.johnsonConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynBeloved Holistics ShopMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 8, 2023 • 1h 6min
Mansal Denton: On Embracing Masculinity and Sacred Hunting
A sacred hunt is a spiritual practice. On the hunt, there's an incredible attunement to the oscillation between masculine and feminine, that occurs in nearly every moment of our lives. It’s as much about connecting with the land, and the animal you're hoping to kill, as it is about holding a rifle and learning how to shoot.Kyle Kingsbury introduced me to the experience, and together with a group of my guy friends, we went on a three-day hunt led by today’s guest, Mansal Denton, and his two guides. Mansal makes the trip special, starting by writing a love letter to the animal you’re going to kill. Many ceremonial elements are threaded throughout, and we came away with an incredible experience.(00:10:32) A Study of TOOL(00:15:38) The Sacred Hunt(00:28:18) Radical Responsibility(00:38:22) Rites of Passage(00:49:07) Societal Impact(00:57:01) The Fear of DeathVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/109Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!Immune Intel AHCC - code BELOVED10 for 10% off their incredible immune-boosting product to clear HPV from your body!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only sleep aid you'll ever need!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Harmony cacao blend!Learn MoreInstagram @MansalDentonBook | Sacred Hunting: Rekindling an Ancient Spiritual PracticeConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynBeloved Holistics ShopMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 1, 2023 • 1h 37min
Brendon Marotta: On Circumcision: A Cure Looking for a Disease
In my days as a resident doing hundreds of circumcisions, I didn’t give much thought to the implications. We were taught the benefits of the procedure and counseled patients the same. But outside of religious rites, the United States is the only nation that circumcises infants in this standardized way.So, why do we continue to cut the genitals of our newborn baby males when the rest of the world does not?This is the question filmmaker and author Brendon Marotta set out to answer in his latest film, American Circumcision. The film explores both sides of the circumcision debate, and it’s won multiple awards. It's a very polarising topic, but Brendon takes an unbiased approach, featuring numerous experts for and against.(00:08:44) Misinformation & Gaslighting(00:16:53) The Procedure(00:19:26) A Social Construct(00:30:04) Developing a Culture of Compliance(00:52:57) The Circumcision Experience(00:59:36) Society’s Actions as a Reflection of Our Children(01:09:24) Identity is a Prison(01:21:28) The Ability To Be WrongVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/108Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only sleep aid you'll ever need!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Harmony cacao blend!Learn MoreWebsite | BrendonMarotta.comFilm | American CircumcisionInstagram @BDMarottaPodcast | The Brendon Marotta ShowConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynBeloved Holistics ShopMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 25, 2023 • 1h 28min
Greg Schmaus: On Archetypes, the Psyche, and Mapping Your Power
FOR THE DADS is a series of podcasts that will provide helpful insights to current or soon-to-be fathers! Archetypes are the vehicles we use to express ourselves. Chronic stress and cultural influences can make exploring the dark and uncomfortable parts of ourselves challenging, leaving us stuck in behaviors that aren’t serving us. Archetypal work gives us a tool to explore these aspects as less of a personal flaw and more of a collective pattern that we can shift.For holistic health practitioner and shamanic energy healer Greg Schmaus, this type of work has been very reflective of his healing journey. The work he’s doing is profoundly impactful, and the way he shares about archetypal work in today’s interview is incredibly insightful. You're going to love this episode. (00:09:56) The Journey to Who You Are(00:16:18) Lessons From Fatherhood(00:27:19) Survival Archetypes(00:34:46) Archetypal Work(00:48:09) Stepping Into The Father Archetype(00:56:25) The Imago Dei Archetype(01:04:13) COVID & The Survival Archetypes(01:14:36) Childhood TraumaVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/107Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!Immune Intel AHCC - code BELOVED10 for 10% off their incredible immune-boosting product to clear HPV from your body!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only sleep aid you'll ever need!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Harmony cacao blend!Learn MoreWebsite | Healing4D.comHealing The Mind: A Journey To Wholeness: 21-Day Guided Program - code PODCAST20 for 20% offInstagram @4d_healingConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynBeloved Holistics ShopMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium /... Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 18, 2023 • 1h 9min
Brooke Schmoe: A Midwife, a School Bus, and Birth Justice
Pregnancy is an entire transformation; there’s far more to it than urine dipsticks, fundal heights, and Dopp tones. If we keep doing things within the strict, sterile, traditional boundaries of patient and doctor, we’ll never move closer to an optimal style of maternity care. It’s not a disease process, and a different type of care is required.Brooke Schmoe is the founder and midwife of probably the most unusual midwifery practice you’ve ever heard of: The Midwife Bus. Working in a birth center, Brooke realized that she was drawn to providing care to the underdogs and people who didn't have a lot of love. Remembering a guest lecture back in midwifery school, she reached out to a midwife who had a mobile clinic, and from there, The Midwife Bus was born.I'm very excited to bring this episode to you, and I hope it inspires you to be a part of the positive change in your community.(00:10:26) A Very Unusual Midwifery Practice(00:20:35) Acts of Service(00:26:14) A More Optimal Style of Maternity Care(00:31:11) Trauma-Informed Care(00:35:51) School of Hard Knocks(00:42:28) Midwife Boundaries(00:50:31) Home Birth Insights(00:54:05) A Self-Sustaining Nonprofit(00:57:25) Experimenting With Franchising(01:00:13) Change Requires CareVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/106Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off their new CollaGenius!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Harmony cacao blend!Learn MoreWebsite | TheMidwifeBus.orgDonate to The Midwife BusThe Midwife Bus on Instagram @TheMidwifeBusConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynBeloved Holistics ShopMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message:... Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 11, 2023 • 1h 11min
Ayla Barmmer: The Best Damn Prenatal & Virility Vitamins on the Market
Everything we do - both women and men - in the preconception period impacts the pregnancy experience and outcome.As a registered dietitian, today’s guest Ayla Barmmer saw the need for a new type of prenatal that provided the right amounts of nutrients in bioavailable form. She recognized that nothing on the market fit the bill, so she created FullWell Fertility, a fertility wellness product and education brand.FullWell has become - by far - my favorite prenatal vitamin on the market. On top of a healthy lifestyle, it's your insurance policy to ensure that you, your baby, and your partner are as healthy as can be from conception through postpartum.(00:11:37) The Birth of FullWell Fertility(00:17:33) Folate vs. Folic Acid(00:25:28) Optimizing Your Fertility(00:35:43) The Ultimate Combo: Food + Lifestyle + High-Quality Supplementation(00:43:49) Genetic Imprinting(00:49:17) Bioavailability & Dosage(00:55:19) Nervous System BalancingVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/105Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!Immune Intel AHCC - code BELOVED10 for 10% off their incredible immune-boosting product to balance your adrenals and clear HPV from your body!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only sleep aid supplement you'll ever need!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Gold Latte!Learn MoreWebsite | FullWellFertility.comAyla Barmmer on Instagram @aylabarmmer_rdConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynBeloved Holistics ShopBelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message:... Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 28, 2022 • 1h 35min
#103 - Adam Blanning, MD: On Anthroposophical Medicine, Embracing Fever, and the Future of Integrative Medicine
Like many people in the hospital system, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there must be more I could be doing to help. But what if we could improve that system? Not replace it but integrate it into a more whole-person approach.Anthroposophic medicine is a patient-focused integrative medical system, and it can be very validating for those who feel like something's been missing. Here to explore its history and application is Dr. Adam Blanning. I encourage you to approach this conversation with an open heart. Adam has incredible insights into how we can reimagine the human experience and heal the person through the lens of the fourfold human being.(00:09:17) Deepening the Healer’s Toolkit(00:17:47) Anthroposophic Medicine(00:30:27) The Role of Plant Study(00:38:46) Working Through Warmth & Fever(01:04:06) The Fourfold Human Being(01:11:58) Reflections on Consciousness & RemediesVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/103Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only sleep aid supplement you'll ever need!Immune Intel AHCC - code BELOVED10 for 10% off their incredible immune-boosting product to balance your adrenals and clear HPV from your body!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Gold Chocolate Latte! "A healthy hot chocolate!"Connect with Dr. Adam BlanningDenver Center for Anthroposophic TherapiesPhysicians' Association for Anthroposophic MedicineConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynBeloved Holistics ShopBelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 21, 2022 • 1h 33min
#102 - Tessa Bowman: On Non-Toxic Living Throughout Pregnancy and Parenthood
In recent decades, we’ve seen rapidly increasing rates of infertility, declining sperm counts, and growing health issues. As a collective, we must take a step back and consider all the environmental toxins we’re exposing ourselves to. From personal care products like lotions and floss to lawn care compounds and laundry detergent, we’re living in a beautiful time where there’s a healthy, non-toxic option for almost anything.Unfortunately, many people are still unaware of the huge toxic load the average household is exposed to and the harmful effects of continuing like this. Today I’m joined by holistic nutritionist and healthy living expert Tessa Bowman to talk about how we can make sense of overly confusing labels and shift to a low-toxic lifestyle.[00:06:19] Birth Experiences[00:15:24] A Passion for Cleaner Living[00:18:26] Ingredient Safety[00:33:21] Foundational Elements of Low-Tox Living[00:44:58] Making Sense of Labels[00:46:52] Declining Fertility[00:50:34] Personal Care Products[00:59:03] Water for Drinking & Household Uses[01:07:38] Kids’ & Toxins[01:14:52] Backyard Insights & Lawn CareVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/102Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only sleep aid supplement you'll ever need!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Gold Chocolate Latte! "A healthy hot chocolate!"Connect with Tessa BowmanWebsite | balanced-to-a-t.comInstagram @balanced.to.a.tConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynBeloved Holistics ShopPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 14, 2022 • 1h 27min
#101 - Kate Morton: On Seed Cycling and Hacking Your Hormones
As a dietitian, Kate Morton strongly believes in a food-first approach. That's why she created Funk It, a women's health company that makes all-natural food-based products for the menstrual cycle, including seed blends.At its core, seed cycling is a straightforward practice that involves taking pumpkin and flax seeds daily during the follicular phase of your cycle and sunflower and sesame seeds during your luteal phase. I’ve seen so many women benefit from seed cycling, experiencing a resolution of their menstrual issues, from fertility challenges to thyroid and adrenal problems and more. Something packed into these incredibly nutrient and energy-rich seeds does wonders for women's menstrual cycles.[00:08:37] The Birth of Funk It[00:11:54] Kate’s Extensive Background as a Dietician[00:19:18] How Your Lifestyle Affects Your Hormones[00:31:04] The Power of Data[00:37:00] The Goal Is Your Normal Consistent Cycle[00:50:09] Disordered Eating[00:55:13] Principles of Eating For Your Menstrual Cycle[01:07:04] Seed CyclingVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/101Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!BiOptimizers - code BELOVED for 10% off the only sleep aid supplement you'll ever need!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Gold Chocolate Latte! "A healthy hot chocolate!"Connect with Kate MortonWebsite | FunkItWellness.comTikTok @funkitwellnessInstagram @funk.it.wellnessPeriod Chats PodcastConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 7, 2022 • 1h 4min
#100 - Michel Odent: On Supporting Birth: We are Asking the Wrong Questions
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, and I am very grateful to host this conversation for you on the podcast. You're going to love this one.[00:10:42] An Alternative View of Practicing Medicine[00:12:02] Rethinking the Process of Birth[00:22:33] Cultural Misunderstanding of Physiology[00:26:51] The Socialization of Childbirth[00:36:21] Shifting to a New Paradigm[00:45:43] Interdisciplinary Perspective[00:49:11] Avoiding DeathVisit the show notes for more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/100(Transcript HERE)Made possible by:FullWell - code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamins and men's virility vitamins on the planet!Organifi - code BELOVED for 20% off their Pumpkin Spice Gold Latte! "It's like autumn, and a marshmallow had a baby!"Immune Intel AHCC - code BELOVED10 for 10% off their incredible immune-boosting product to balance your adrenals and clear HPV from your body!BIRTHFIT - code BELOVED to get one month FREE in their B! Community!Connect with Michel OdentMichel Odent's BooksConnect with meInstagram @nathanrileyobgynTikTok @nathanrileyobgynPractice: BelovedHolistics.comMedical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN 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 EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theholisticobgyn/message Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe