

Born Free Method: The Podcast
Nathan Riley, MD, Father of 2
There are a lot of birth-related podcasts out there. But here you are...considering this one!
As with all of our projects at Born Free Method, this project is one of a kind. If you are fed up with modern maternity care, stop grumbling and groaning and take action! This podcast can lead the way. Somehow we manage to blend birth, spirituality, medicine, fitness, ecology, ceremony, psychedelia, psychology, and more all into one great offering, leaving a lingering whiff of "my body, my choice" in our wake.
We're happy that you're here for the show! nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com
As with all of our projects at Born Free Method, this project is one of a kind. If you are fed up with modern maternity care, stop grumbling and groaning and take action! This podcast can lead the way. Somehow we manage to blend birth, spirituality, medicine, fitness, ecology, ceremony, psychedelia, psychology, and more all into one great offering, leaving a lingering whiff of "my body, my choice" in our wake.
We're happy that you're here for the show! nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 25, 2022 • 1h 39min
#68 - Mimi Lindquist & Chase Ramey: On AHCC Immune Intel®, A Natural Remedy for HPV Infection
Mimi and Chase have a wild story. They met young, then divorced, then reunited. In their time apart, they worked on their own "shit", making it possible to reimagine their love story and become a dynamic force of nature as a couple. On their podcast, The Medicin, they discuss everything and anything pertaining to health of self and our relationships. In this episode, we focus on their product AHCC Immune Intel®, a natural remedy to support salutogenesis and integrate the lesson of HPV and prevent cervical cancer. This is an critical look into a variety of factors impacting health, especially if you've got a cervix (or a beloved partner)![00:15:00] - AHCC Immune Intel®: what is it? how does it work as an agent of salutogenesis[00:25:30] - The value of yoni steaming[00:30:00] - Combing the physical with the energetic in clearing HPV and achieving optimal wellness[00:35:30] - The gifts of COVID and the importance of pursuing your dreams[00:41:00] - The impact of our relationships on health[00:55:00] - Mimi and Chase are dedicated to helping couples find optimal vitality[01:00:00] - The gifts of divorce[01:07:00] - Babies are wise little buddhas[01:15:00] - Pregnancy is not a diseaseLinks from the show:The Medicin PodcastChase and Mimi on InstagramAHCC Immune Intel® (Use code BELOVED10 to save 10%)Sign up for early VIP access to their Mushy Love lattee mix! (It's stinkin DELICIOUS!)The Women's Wheel of Life, by Elizabeth DavisMy online store (discounts on many products mentioned in the show)Find me on Instagram @nathanrileyobgyn and my practice at: www.BelovedHolistics.comSponsored by:FullWell Fertility - Use code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamin on the market (and check out their vitality and nerve support tonic!)Fit for Birth - With this link, you'll save 20% on personal prenatal exercise coaching (for individuals) or courses to improve your coaching practice (for coaches)!Music by: Labrinth and Preservation Hall Jazz Band--- 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

Jun 14, 2022 • 25min
#65b - Birth, Death, and Our Grapple with Safety (Solo-Cast)
In this solo-cast, I read an essay that I wrote back in the early phases of the COVID situation. When we approach life (and medicine, policy-making, etc.) with the goal of merely prolonging or avoiding death, we compromise richness in experience. That's not to say that we should all merely throw caution to the wind, of course. But when we myopically focus on just avoidance of death in birth, for example, we compromise other important aspects of the physician-patient relationship. For example, if we try to justify non-consensual vaginal exams or poorly consented c-sections with "We need to make sure the baby is safe...", we inadvertently traumatize the person who matters most in this equation: the woman giving birth. The same faulty - and dare I say, dangerous - logic is destroying our planet, communities, end of life care, and maternity care in the United States. Enjoy...this one is from the heart! My online store (discounts on many products mentioned in the show)Find me on Instagram @nathanrileyobgyn and my practice at: www.BelovedHolistics.comSponsored by:FullWell Fertility - Use code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamin on the market (and check out their vitality and nerve support tonic!)Fit for Birth - With this link, you'll save 20% on personal prenatal exercise coaching (for individuals) or courses to improve your coaching practice (for coaches)!Music by: Labrinth and Preservation Hall Jazz Band--- 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

Jun 9, 2022 • 1h 24min
#65 - Mark Gober: On Consciousness and the End to Upside Down Liberty
Mark started in finance then totally shifted his focus to consciousness research after an awakening of his own brought forth through practiced meditation. He has written three books - all are AMAZING - though his latest, An End to Upside Down Liberty, is a must-read for anybody who is thoughtful about helping me usher in a new earth. And Mark takes the conversation around governance to another level, incorporating his research on consciousness and mentation into how we perceive and manage risk and our connection to others. This interview is packed with insight for anybody who cares about we show up as birthworkers and members of changing society on behalf of women...Enjoy![12:00] - Mark’s awakening came through meditation[16:30] - What do consciousness and liberty have in common; metrics versus experience[21:30] - Near death experiences[30:30] - The juice is worth the squeeze when it comes to spiritual growth[35:00] - Sigh…COVID and the distortion of truth[45:30] - Absolute versus relative reality; good versus evil[56:30] - The two poles of governance: voluntarism versus statism[1:08:00] - The blessings of a “pandemic”[1:13:00] - Sovereignty in pregnancy and deathReferences from the Show:Mark's website and InstagramMark's books: An End to Upside Thinking, An End to Upside Living, and An End to Upside Down LibertyMark's podcast: Where Is My Mind?My interview with Kelly Brogan, MD on The Holistic OBGYNMy interview with Edith Ubuntu Chan, L.Ac on The Holistic OBGYNDavid Hawkins, MD, PhD (author)My online store (discounts on many products mentioned in the show)Find me on Instagram @nathanrileyobgyn and my practice at: www.BelovedHolistics.comSponsored by:FullWell Fertility - Use code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamin on the market (and check out their vitality and nerve support tonic!)Fit for Birth - With this link, you'll save 20% on personal prenatal exercise coaching (for individuals) or courses to improve your coaching practice (for coaches)!Music by: Labrinth and Preservation Hall Jazz Band--- 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

May 25, 2022 • 41min
#63 - On 2nd Trimester Abortion (Solo-Cast)
Abortion is one of the most controversial issues in our country. It's never an easy decision for a pregnant client to pursue abortion, even if your judgment tells you otherwise. Beyond merely desiring an abortion due to psychosocial or financial constraints (or if the pregnancy was the result of a rape), there are a variety of true medical reasons that may present a desire or need for 1st or 2nd trimester abortion. In the 2nd trimester, abortions are more challenging and more dangerous, so I am recycling this podcast summary from my old podcast, The Obgyno Wino/Beloved Holistics Radio, to help practitioners and lay people understand the delicacies of this topic. Please do your best to listen with an open mind and an open heart. I realize that this topic can be confronting...[12:25] - Legality of abortion and access issues[15:30] - There are a variety of reasons or condition for which a woman might desire 2nd trimester abortion[17:20] - Medical versus surgical options for 2nd trimester abortion[25:00] - Risks of abortion and diagnosis/management of complicationsMy online store (discounts on many products that I recommend to my client's)Find me on Instagram @nathanrileyobgyn and my practice at: www.BelovedHolistics.comSponsored by:FullWell Fertility - Use code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamin on the market (and check out their vitality and nerve support tonic!)Fit for Birth - With this link, you'll save 20% on personal prenatal exercise coaching (for individuals) or courses to improve your coaching practice (for coaches)!Music by: Labrinth and Joaquín Cornejo--- 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

May 19, 2022 • 1h 18min
#61 - Lily Nichols, RDN: On the Science of Ancient Nutrition in Pregnancy
Lily is an expert in perinatal nutrition, specializing in prevention and reversal of gestational diabetes. She was engaged in perinatal health and nutrition research for years prior to embarking on her own as an author of two of the best books on the related to lifestyle and nutrition for optimal pregnancy outcomes. It's important to keep in mind that optimizing your health before pregnancy and thoughtfully nourishing your body (and mind) during pregnancy leads to shorter labor, faster recovery, and a lesser likelihood of developing pathologies like fetal growth restriction, placental issues, hypertensive disorders, and diabetes if you prioritize your health as a pregnant woman. While there is a lot of noise out there regarding "right and wrong" to nourish your body and baby during and after pregnancy, Lily provides the clearest, most digestible "signal" to guide you through this noise. You're going to LOVE this interview![12:30] - Diabetes in pregnancy has long-term impacts on your child's health (epigenetics, etc.)[18:00] - Most pregnancy complications - hypertension, diabetes, postpartum recovery, perineal lacerations, fetal growth, placental health, etc. - can be mitigated by inexpensive adjustments to lifestyle[26:30] - The #1 dietary change you should consider in pregnancy: eat more protein (from animals)[32:00] - The ridiculous demonization of saturated fat[50:10] - We will never outsmart natureReferences from the Show:Lily's website, books, and InstagramWeston A. Price FoundationThe Big Fat Surprise, by Nina TeicholzLily's blog post on organ meats (and on shellfish)More on Ancel Keys: the guy who kicked off the demonization of saturated fatsMy online store (discounts on many products mentioned in the show)Find me on Instagram @nathanrileyobgyn and my practice at: www.BelovedHolistics.comSponsored by:FullWell Fertility - Use code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamin on the market (and check out their vitality and nerve support tonic!)Fit for Birth - With this link, you'll save 20% on personal prenatal exercise coaching (for individuals) or courses to improve your coaching practice (for coaches)!Music by: Labrinth and Joaquín Cornejo--- 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

May 12, 2022 • 1h 20min
#59 - Kelly Brogan, MD: On Reclaiming Your Mind and Freedom
I've been fanboying over Kelly for years, ever since I read her book "A Mind of Your Own" and learned about the dangers of hormonal contraception (specifically "the pill") and their propensity to foster or worsen mood and depressive disorders. Her work is truly revolutionary, yet it's shockingly simple. While her approach is simple - diet, movement, sleep, meditation, and other lifestyle modifications - this work is never simple, but her clients rave about the outcomes. Kelly's practice is to get people off of their psychiatric meds for good, which I think we can all get behind. I'm so stoked for you to hear this interview! And we'll be following up with a part 2...[00:06:10] - The monoamine hypothesis of depression (aka "too little serotonin") is probably wrong[00:13:30] - Trauma-based mind control is present in allopathic medicine...for sure[00:20:15] - The illusion of control in birth and death[00:28:45] - The gift of COVID[00:34:00] - When we surrender, the universe delivers[00:39:00] - How would your life improve if you learned to say "no"?[00:46:00] - Sovereignty often begins with choosing a home birth[00:59:45] - "Who am I?" often arises postpartum[01:03:22] - Kelly's Vital Mind Reset ProgramReferences from the Show:- If you are ready to reclaim your life and mind, sign up for Kelly's "Vital Mind Reset Program" (enrolling for a limited time)- Kelly's website (and books)My online store (discounts on many products mentioned in the show)Find me on Instagram @nathanrileyobgyn and my practice at: www.BelovedHolistics.comSponsors:FullWell Fertility - Use code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamin on the market (and check out their vitality and nerve support tonic!)Fit for Birth - Use code BELOVED for 20% discount off personal prenatal exercise coaching or courses to improve your coaching practice!Music by: Labrinth, Chancha Via Circuito, and Joaquín Cornejo--- 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

May 4, 2022 • 2h 12min
#58 - Discerning the Lighthouse: What Does Truly Holistic OBGYN Care Look Like? (Solo-Cast)
In this solo-cast, Dr. Riley elaborates on his observations of what has gone wrong in "western" medicine over the past few years, which was an acceleration of a process put into place hundreds of years ago with the advent of "modern medicine". He also elaborates on what truly holistic OBGYN care looks like. What tools does he use? How does he help his clients re-harmonize with their surroundings?[00:06:30] - Who am I? What is my purpose?[00:11:15] - Positive realizations from the pandemic[00:12:30] - A physician's job is to be curious and to embrace nuance[00:14:00] - Luciferic versus Ahrimanic forces[00:21:30] - Allopathy generally works against nature, not with her[00:24:00] - Tools in my unorthodox toolkit[00:49:00] - I don't want MORE clients; I want TIME with clients[00:53:30] - Case study: endometriosis[01:05:45] - Case study: fertility[01:19:00] - Holistic pregnancy support[01:36:15] - Our home birth story[01:39:55] - Insights into induction of labor[01:43:00] - Insights into vaginal breech birth[01:50:00] - Insights into postpartum support, TOLAC, GBS, fetal monitoring, and Rhogam[01:58:45] - Insights into vaccines, vitamin K, and informed consent and shared decision making[02:01:00] - Insights into menopauseReferences from the Show:The prequel to this solo castThe Illusion of Evidence-Based Medicine, by Jon Jureidini1st chakra2nd chakraDUTCH testingChek InstituteEfifji Breathwork (My interview w/ Sarah Charmoli)Biogeometry pendantsConscious Technologies harmonizing pendantsThe Fifth Vital Sign, by Lisa Hendrickson-JackVery Small is Beautiful, lecture by Sally Fallon MorrellOnline store (discounts on many products mentioned in the show)Find me on Instagram at @nathanrileyobgyn and my practice at www.BelovedHolistics.comSponsors:FullWell Fertility - Use code BELOVED10 for 10% off the best prenatal vitamin on the market (and check out their vitality and nerve support tonic!)Fit for Birth - Use code BELOVED for 20% discount off personal prenatal exercise coaching or courses to improve your coaching practice!Music by: Labrinth, Chancha Via Circuito, and Joaquín Cornejo--- Send in a voice message:... Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 19, 2022 • 1h 7min
#55 - Lauren Hall, PhD: The Medicalization of Birth and Death
Lauren Hall, PhD, is professor and chair of political science at Rochester Institute of Technology. She is the author of The Medicalization of Birth and Death, which was inspired by first-hand struggles with navigating the conventional medical model through her own births and accompanying her family members through death. Her current research is on the moral and political implications of healthcare regulations as well as issues relating to gender and the family. Her book needed to be written, and I'm so happy she did it so that I didn't have to (whew! close one!). Savor every second of this juicy conversation![00:09:00] - Lauren fired her first OB when she was 16 weeks pregnant[00:13:00] - Lauren's metaphor of an uncontrollable river current without the ability to swim to shore[00:15:00] - "Standard of care" and "permission" in childbirth[00:20:50] - Nobody walks into battle without a plan...why is it different for birth?[00:30:30] - Lauren's personal experience with hospice care[00:34:00] - "Medicine" has been reduced to only the measurable aspects of being alive[00:36:00] - The recent shift in "science" from observation to control[00:39:00] - Birth and death can't be standardized like medical conditions[00:46:15] - Inpatient versus out-of-hospital birth and death[00:50:45] - There is still a good reason to have hospitalsReferences and links:Lauren on Instagram, Email: lauren.hall@rit.eduLauren's book: The Medicalization of Birth and DeathBirth MonopolyEnd Well ConferenceYoko Sen TedMed Talk: "Reimagining Hospital Sounds"Big thanks to our sponsors:Organifi: https://www.organifi.com/beloved (Use code "BELOVED" for 20% off at checkout) Needed: https://www.thisineeded.com (Use code BELOVED for 20% off! Or use code BELOVED100 to save $100 off your first three-month order of their Complete Nutrition Plan(s)) Music by: Labrinth, Chancha Via Circuito, and Joaquín Cornejo--- 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

Apr 1, 2022 • 1h 6min
#53 - Kyle Kingsbury: A Father's Pursuit of Freedom
FOR THE DADS is a series of podcasts that will provide helpful insights to current or soon-to-be fathers! Kyle and I became quick friends through Paul Chek. We took a wild ride together on medicine served by Paul and have been exchanging ideas and love ever since, ranging from health optimization to longevity to parenting to freedom. Kyle is a former UFC fighter turned conscious father and awakened man. This was a beautiful conversation between two men who are just trying to figure this whole thing out...It's my great pleasure to share this one with you![00:05:45] - How Kyle met Aubrey Marcus and got his start with Onnit[00:12:00] - Prepare for the worst; hope for the best[00:23:00] - Kyle’s tenderness is on par with his intensity[00:28:45] - Parenting forces you confront your childhood traumas[00:32:00] - Raising kids responsibly requires “the village”[00:37:45] - Birth is a transformation of spirit[00:45:00] - Psychedelics can assist with the challenges to our Ego presented by fatherhood[00:48:15] - Even Kyle experiences negative self-talk (Hint: it never goes away completely)References and LinksKyle’s - Website, Podcast, InstagramFit for ServiceZion - a new, uncensored approach to social mediaThe Soul of Discipline: The Simplicity Parenting Approach to Warm, Firm, and Calm Guidance- From Toddlers to Teens, by Kim John Payne Kim John Payne’s podcast, “Simplicity Parenting”Hold on to Your Kids, by Gabor MateJilly's Terrible Temper Tantrums: And How She Outgrew Them, by Martha Heineman Pieper (children’s book)Tash Kingsbury’s interview on The Holistic OBGYN PodcastThe Power of Kabbalah: 13 Principles to Overcome Challenges and Achieve Fulfillment, by Yehuda BergBig thanks to our sponsorsOrganifi: https://www.organifi.com/beloved (Use code "BELOVED" for 20% off at checkout)Needed: https://www.thisineeded.com (Use code BELOVED for 20% off! Or use code BELOVED100 to save $100 off your first three-month order of their Complete Nutrition Plan(s))Show Notes | Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 29, 2022 • 1h 12min
#52 - Mark Groves: Community and Connection as the New Currency
Mark Groves is one of the greatest new friends that I made in 2021. He's a former pharmaceutical rep-turned connection and relationship expert. In this episode we bounce from community and connection to self-knowing to building a better world. If we don't know ourselves, then how can we support others? If we can't sit with our own pain, how can we attend the pain of those we hold dearest? In birth and in death, there is a transformation of spirit. You don't get a vote as to how or when these things events unfold; the only thing we can control is how we spend our time from now until then. If I had a choice, I would be spending more time with people like Mark.This was one of my favorite interviews so far![00:06:45] - “Systems” don’t always prioritize community[00:09:45] - Attunement, “our reactiveness to other people”[00:20:50] - What if you weren’t broken? And had everything you needed?[00:24:10] - You only get a vote as to what your happens from this moment until you die[00:29:30] - Be you and watch the world adjust[00:31:10] - Relationships invite us to examine those areas in which we aren’t liberated[00:36:00] - Would you rather live in connection for 10 years or live in isolation for 50 years?[00:39:00] - The newly emerging world[00:44:45] - Dehumanizing anybody dehumanizes yourself[00:49:00] - “You can only alchemize the lowest level of truth that you can hold”[00:52:30] - You can’t un-see the man behind the curtain[00:59:30] - Nature rewards courage[63:00:00] - Communitas begets catharsisReferences and LinksMark Groves - Website, Instagram, Podcast, Youtube ChannelWayne DyerGabor MateHarriet Lerner’s book: Dance of Intimacy and Dance of AngerCharle’s Eisenstein’s essay “The Coronation”Ram DassPaul Selig’s book: The Book of TruthAldous Huxley’s book: The Doors of PerceptionFilm: American CircumcisionByron KatieBrene BrownBig thanks to our sponsors!Waveblock: https://www.waveblock.com/ (Use Code “BELOVED25” for 25% off)Organifi: https://www.organifi.com/beloved (Use code "BELOVED" for 20% off at checkout)Show Notes | DonateMusic by: Labrinth, Chancha Via Circuito, and Joaquín... Get full access to Born Free Method: The Podcast at nathanrileyobgyn.substack.com/subscribe


