Live Free Ride Free with Rupert Isaacson

Rupert Isaacson
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Welcome to Live Free Ride Free, where we talk to people who have lived self-actualized lives on their own terms, and find out how they got there, what they do, how we can get there, what we can learn from them. How to live our best lives, find our own definition of success, and most importantly, find joy. Your Host is New York Times bestselling author Rupert Isaacson. Long time human rights activist, Rupert helped a group of Bushmen in the Kalahari fight for their ancestral lands. He's probably best known for his autism advocacy work following the publication of his bestselling book "The Horse Boy" and "The Long Ride Home" where he tells the story of finding healing for his autistic son. Subsequently he founded New Trails Learning Systems an approach for addressing neuro-psychiatric conditions through horses, movement and nature. The methods are now used around the world in therapeutic riding program, therapy offices and schools for special needs and neuro-typical children.  You can find details of all our programs and shows on www.RupertIsaacson.com

  1. Time Travel Through the Classical Canon: Xenophon Press, Emotional Mastery & the Future of Horsemanship with Richard Williams EP 47

    1D AGO

    Time Travel Through the Classical Canon: Xenophon Press, Emotional Mastery & the Future of Horsemanship with Richard Williams EP 47

    ✨ “The horse lives in the present. If you want to be a good horse person, you need to become more like the horse.” – Richard Williams ✨ “Horsemanship is a physical meditation. The horse is a three-dimensional mirror.” – Richard Williams From preserving rare classical manuscripts to exploring the emotional and civilizing power of horsemanship, Richard Williams — publisher of Xenophon Press — joins Rupert Isaacson for a deep dive into why the old masters still matter. In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert and Richard trace the arc of classical equestrian knowledge from Xenophon through the Renaissance academies, La Guérinière, Steinbrecht, Baucher, and Nuno Oliveira — right up to the modern therapeutic and rehabilitative applications of classical riding. Richard shares how he came to acquire Xenophon Press, why publishing these works is an act of stewardship rather than profit, and how editing and translating classical texts became a form of "time travel." The conversation moves from Renaissance schools that trained diplomats through horsemanship, to emotional regulation in the saddle, to the role horses may play in addiction recovery and mental health today. 🎥 FREE Helios Harmony Intro Course: https://longridehome.com/onoutpout📚 All Books Mentioned: https://longridehome.com/books🎟️ Xenophon Press Discount Code: 7greatCUSTOMER (7% off) https://xenophonpress.com This is not simply a conversation about dressage. It is about humility, mastery, emotional regulation, leadership, and the civilizing influence of the horse. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Richard’s journey into purchasing Xenophon Press and preserving classical texts ([00:03:00])How publishing classical works became a form of “time travel” across centuries ([00:06:00])Why Renaissance academies trained diplomats through horsemanship, fencing, and mathematics ([00:32:00])How stallions in the academies helped civilize young aristocrats ([00:35:00])The link between classical riding and emotional regulation ([00:49:00])Why breathing and “feel” anchor the rider in the present moment ([00:54:00])The four conditions of horsemanship: ignoring, opposing, yielding, harmonizing ([01:00:00])Why therapeutic riding is embodied practice — not a gimmick ([01:11:00])How classical training benefits the horse physically and mentally ([01:16:00])A recommended reading pathway through the classical canon ([01:18:00]) 🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode: Rupert describing Xenophon Press as a modern Library of Alexandria ([00:01:30])Richard’s story of his brother being launched into a manure pile by a pony ([00:37:00])The insight that horses sort for emotional maturity ([00:39:00])Discussion of how leaders historically were judged by how they rode ([00:43:00])The idea that horsemanship teaches recovery from imbalance — not avoidance of it ([01:02:00])Riding as a practice of embodied mindfulness and humility ([00:50:00])Exploring the potential of horses in addiction recovery work ([01:15:00]) 📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned: XenophonGiovanni Battista Tomassini – The Italian Tradition of Equestrian ArtFrançois Robichon de La Guérinière – École de CavalerieGustav Steinbrecht – Gymnasium of the HorseFrançois BaucherNuno OliveiraDom Diogo de Bragança – Dressage in the French TraditionAlois Podhajsky – The Complete Training of Horse and RiderSally Swift – Centered RidingRenaissance Schools of Horsemanship in Naples🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com 📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home: Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome New Trails Learning Systems: Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems 📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

    1h 41m
  2. Being Upset by Beauty | Healing, Activism, Ayurveda & the Quiet Power of Presence with Rejane D’Espirac | Ep 46

    FEB 5

    Being Upset by Beauty | Healing, Activism, Ayurveda & the Quiet Power of Presence with Rejane D’Espirac | Ep 46

    ✨ “I’m upset because life should be so beautiful.” – Rejane D’Espirac ✨ “Healing begins with attention.” – Rupert Isaacson In this expansive and deeply reflective episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson is joined by French writer, journalist, filmmaker, and activist Rejane D’Espirac for a wide‑ranging conversation on healing, presence, storytelling, plants, and what it means to live a life in service. Rejane’s work sits at the crossroads of human rights, environmental activism, health, and inner transformation. From documenting the long‑term aftermath of the Bhopal industrial disaster in India, to exploring Ayurveda, yoga, infertility, and the healing power of attention, her life and career have been shaped by one central question: how do we truly care for one another in a damaged world? Together, Rupert and Rejane explore the idea of being “upset by beauty” — not anger, but the kind of heartbreak that comes from seeing how precious life is, and how easily that magic is overlooked or harmed. They discuss relationship as medicine, presence as a healing force, plants as silent allies, and why service — rather than self‑actualization alone — is often the key to meaning. ❤️ Support the Podcast on Patreon https://patreon.com/longridehome This episode weaves personal story, activism, philosophy, and nature into a conversation about attention, awe, responsibility, and hope. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What Rejane means by being “upset” — not with anger, but with love, beauty, and the pain of seeing life disrespected ([00:02:26]–[00:06:00])The long‑term human and environmental impact of the Bhopal industrial disaster, and why its consequences are still unfolding decades later ([00:08:44]–[00:11:00])How the Sambhavna free clinic in Bhopal uses Ayurveda, yoga, plants, and care to support survivors when Western medicine alone no longer works ([00:13:17]–[00:26:23])Why care, listening, and relationship account for a large part of healing — often more than techniques or medication ([00:31:25]–[00:37:21])Rejane’s personal journey through infertility, Ayurveda, and unexpected pregnancy — and what it revealed about quality versus quantity in healing ([00:47:11]–[00:57:06])How attention, presence, and being truly seen can unlock self‑healing processes in body and mind ([01:02:27]–[01:04:53])Why sadness, isolation, and disconnection are central challenges of modern life — and how service and relationship help counter them ([01:24:53]–[01:27:22])The quiet power of flowers, plants, and awe — and why beauty itself can be a political and healing force ([01:29:42]–[01:33:22]) 🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode: Rejane explains how witnessing suffering without solutions led her from journalism into activism ([00:07:40]–[00:08:15])A detailed account of how the Sambhavna clinic was founded, and why detoxification, yoga, and plants became central tools ([00:21:02]–[00:25:55])Rupert reflects on care, attention, and yoga nidra as accessible forms of self‑healing ([00:40:31]–[00:42:16])Rejane shares how a simple question — “Why are you so sad?” — opened a profound healing journey ([00:49:49]–[01:03:10])A moving exchange on flowers as symbols of connection, resilience, and life’s quiet intelligence ([01:29:24]–[01:33:30]) 📚 Books, Projects & Resources Mentioned: Sambhavna Clinic (Bhopal) & documentary “Sambhavna” https://sambhavnabhopal.org/At Last, a Baby – Rejane D’Espirac The Discreet Power of Flowers – Rejane D’Espirac https://www.rejanedespirac.com/The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home & The Healing Land – Rupert IsaacsonMovement Method – New Trails Learning Systems🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com 📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome New Trails Learning Systems Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems 📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

    2h 4m
  3. Coming Out of Hiding | Illness, Identity, Magic & the Courage to Be Seen with John Kippen | Ep 45

    JAN 22

    Coming Out of Hiding | Illness, Identity, Magic & the Courage to Be Seen with John Kippen | Ep 45

    ✨ “Being different is not your weakness — it’s your superpower.” – John Kippen ✨ “Story is the original healing technology.” – Rupert Isaacson In this deeply moving and wide‑ranging episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson speaks with resilience coach, magician, and motivational speaker John Kippen about identity, illness, visibility, and what it truly takes to come out of hiding. John shares his extraordinary personal story — from being diagnosed with a life‑threatening brain tumor in his early thirties, to waking from surgery with permanent facial paralysis that led him to withdraw from public life for more than a decade. What followed was not just physical recovery, but a long inner journey through shame, self‑judgment, and loss of identity. Through magic, storytelling, and radical honesty, John ultimately found his way back into the world — discovering that the very thing he tried to hide could become his greatest point of connection. Today, he uses those lessons to help others step out of fear, reclaim their dreams, and see their differences as sources of strength. This conversation explores illness, facial difference, vulnerability, creativity, neuroscience, coaching, dreaming, and the quiet power of presence. It is an episode about being seen — and about learning to see yourself with compassion. ❤️ Support the Podcast on Patreon https://patreon.com/longridehome 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How a sudden medical crisis can fracture identity — and why facial difference uniquely impacts how we see ourselves and how others respond ([00:03:22]–[00:07:46])What it means to “go into hiding” emotionally and socially — and how shame keeps people invisible for years ([00:07:14]–[00:08:10])How magic became a tool for healing, presence, and connection rather than performance ([00:10:00]–[00:14:00])Why naming the story behind visible difference allows others to relax, connect, and truly see you ([00:12:22]–[00:13:40])How creativity and wonder help bypass fear and open new neurological pathways ([00:50:32]–[01:00:14])John’s “Tripod Method” for getting unstuck when fear and overwhelm take over ([00:40:32]–[00:43:19])Why many adults are living someone else’s dream — and how to reconnect with your own ([00:51:42]–[00:54:08])How coaching can help uncover limiting beliefs rooted in childhood experiences ([01:03:23]–[01:08:03])The role of joy, service, nature, and presence in sustaining a meaningful life ([01:16:32]–[01:19:34]) 🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode: John describes waking from brain surgery and realizing how deeply facial paralysis affected his sense of worth ([00:06:15]–[00:07:14])A powerful story from the Magic Castle where a single evening of magic helped a woman stop hiding after a mastectomy ([00:16:00]–[00:25:00])Rupert reflects on facial identity, vulnerability, and storytelling as a form of healing ([00:19:00]–[00:23:00])John explains how COVID mask mandates challenged — but did not undo — his healing around visibility ([00:29:50]–[00:31:26])A moving discussion on dreams, creativity, and why it’s never too late to begin again ([00:51:00]–[01:25:00])📚 Books, Projects & Resources Mentioned: Playing the Hand You Were Dealt – John Kippen https://amzn.to/3YM8K0EJohn Kippen:  https://johnkippen.com The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home & The Healing Land – Rupert Isaacson Movement Method – New Trails Learning Systems🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com 📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome New Trails Learning Systems Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems 📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

    1h 43m
  4. How to Handle More Than You Can Handle | Parenting, Grief, Joy & Special Needs with Amanda Atkins | Ep 44

    JAN 7

    How to Handle More Than You Can Handle | Parenting, Grief, Joy & Special Needs with Amanda Atkins | Ep 44

    In this deeply honest and wide‑ranging episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson speaks with family therapist and author Amanda Atkins about what it truly means to parent a high‑needs child — and how parents survive, adapt, and rediscover joy along the way. Amanda shares the personal story behind her book How to Handle More Than You Can Handle, written from lived experience as the mother of Asher, a teenager with Prader‑Willi Syndrome. Together, Rupert and Amanda explore overwhelm, grief, resilience, humor, identity, marriage, community, and the long‑term realities of parenting children with disabilities. The conversation moves fluidly between personal reflection and practical insight — from navigating cortisol burnout and therapy overload, to the importance of nature, play, humor, and following the child’s passions. This episode also looks ahead to adulthood, community living, relationships, and what it means to build sustainable structures for life beyond childhood. ✨ “You’re allowed to be more than just a caretaker.” – Amanda Atkins ✨ “Joy isn’t optional. It’s how we survive.” – Rupert Isaacson  ❤️ Support the Podcast on Patreon https://patreon.com/longridehome 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why overwhelm and isolation are so common for parents of special‑needs children — and why talking honestly about it matters ([00:01:06])How grief, identity loss, and resilience intersect in parenting high‑needs children ([00:05:13])Amanda’s path from therapist‑in‑training to caregiver advocate — and why she focuses on parents, not prescriptions ([00:06:02])What Prader‑Willi Syndrome looks like in daily life, including food obsession, routine, and nervous‑system regulation ([00:03:11], [00:20:36])Why humor — especially toilet humor — can restore dignity, bonding, and regulation ([00:16:36])The neuroscience of cortisol overload, burnout, and why “doing less” can sometimes heal more ([01:07:45]–[01:11:21])How following a child’s passionate interests supports development, confidence, and joy ([01:13:29])Why community and informal support networks matter more than formal services alone ([00:55:06], [01:22:22])Navigating adolescence, friendships, dating, and independence for neurodivergent teens ([01:18:53]–[01:24:36])How parents can reclaim joy, meaning, and a sense of self beyond caregiving ([00:51:01], [01:33:48])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode: Amanda describes the emotional impact of being handed a diagnosis at 26 — and the pressure to be a “special‑needs warrior” ([00:04:00])A candid conversation about marriage, cortisol poisoning, and why most special‑needs couples burn out ([01:05:38]–[01:10:05])Asher’s first homecoming date — and how community quietly held the moment ([01:22:22])Rupert explains theory of mind through teasing — and why joking is a developmental milestone ([00:27:26])Amanda reads a powerful passage from her book on identity, meaning, and self‑compassion ([01:33:48])📚 Books, Projects & Resources Mentioned:Amanda Griffith Atkins: https://www.amandagriffithatkins.com/https://www.instagram.com/amanda.griffith.atkins/ How to Handle More Than You Can Handle – Amanda Atkins: https://amzn.to/3LjgWSHning Systems Camp Hill Communities (historical model for residential care) Square Peg Foundation (California) https://squarepegfoundation.org 🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com 📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome New Trails Learning Systems Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems 📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

    1h 46m
  5. The Journey That Forged The Horse Boy | Mongolia, Shamanism & Healing with Tulga Otgonbaatar | Ep 43

    12/25/2025

    The Journey That Forged The Horse Boy | Mongolia, Shamanism & Healing with Tulga Otgonbaatar | Ep 43

    In this deeply moving and long‑awaited reunion episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson is joined by Tulga Otgonbaatar — the Mongolian guide, cultural bridge, and quiet catalyst behind the original Horse Boy journey. Nearly twenty years after Rupert, his autistic son Rowan, and Tulga traveled together across Mongolia to meet shamans, reindeer herders, and the vast living intelligence of the steppe, the two sit down to reflect on what that journey set in motion — not only for Rowan and their families, but for Mongolia itself. This conversation weaves together memory, history, spirituality, ecology, and lived experience. Tulga shares how a “city boy” became devoted to bringing people back into relationship with nature; how Mongolian kindness, patience, and forgiveness are forged through climate, culture, and Buddhism; and how shamanism survived Soviet suppression to remain a living healing practice today. Together, Rupert and Tulga revisit moments never fully told before — ceremonies where electronics failed, spirits tested intentions, vodka multiplied mysteriously, and healing unfolded in its own time. They explore the difference between cure and healing, the role of nature in regulating the human nervous system, and how autism came to be understood and accepted in Mongolia following the Horse Boy book and film. The episode closes with a powerful look forward: a possible 20‑year anniversary return to Mongolia — fathers and sons reunited — guided once again by the land, the spirits, and the people who made it all possible. ✨ “Healing isn’t about removing who someone is. It’s about relieving suffering so their gifts can emerge.” – Rupert Isaacson ✨ “Nature teaches patience. The land itself makes people kinder.” – Tulga Otgonbaatar ❤️ Support the Podcast on Patreon https://patreon.com/longridehome 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Tulga’s path from English student to nomadic guide led him to found a life around nature and cultural preservation ([00:04:57])Why Mongolian culture carries deep kindness, patience, and forgiveness — and how climate and nomadic life shape the nervous system ([00:11:32])How Mongolia transformed from a warrior empire to a Buddhist, peace‑centered society in just a few generations ([00:15:54])How Mongolia’s ecosystem — people included — represents a living model of human‑nature balance ([00:33:00])The survival of shamanism through Soviet suppression — and why it remains effective today ([00:49:54])How autism became widely understood and accepted in Mongolia after the Horse Boy film aired nationally ([00:53:57])The difference between healing and cure in autism and trauma work ([01:04:03])Why patience, rhythm, and long journeys are essential parts of healing ([01:48:59])What Rowan’s life looks like today — independence, work, travel, and purpose ([01:52:00])Behind‑the‑scenes stories from the original Horse Boy journey never shared publicly before ([02:03:00]) 🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode: Tulga recalls the moment Rowan made his very first friend — his son Tomo — during a shamanic ceremony ([00:56:00])Tulga explains the spirits of mountains, rivers, and land — and what happens when humans forget respect ([01:12:00])A non‑verbal autistic child speaks his first words — “Mom, I love you” — after a Mongolian journey ([01:33:15])Rupert reflects on why people with autism often carry profound emotional intelligence and healing presence ([01:59:00])The ceremony where filming equipment mysteriously shut down — exactly as foretold ([02:03:31])A Mongolian shaman tests Tulga with a bottle of vodka that refuses to run out ([02:12:00]) 📚 Books, Projects & Traditions Mentioned: The Horse Boy – book & documentary: https://ntls.co/books Mongolian shamanism & reindeer‑herder healing traditions Movement Method & Horse Boy Method: https://ntls.co Nomadic Trails (Mongolia): https://nomadictrails.com/ Takhin – the revered Mongolian wild horse 🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com 📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome New Trails Learning Systems Website: https://ntls.co Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems 📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

    2h 31m
  6. Running Toward Purpose: Circus, Special Needs & Radical Possibility | Jason Barrett | Ep 42

    12/11/2025

    Running Toward Purpose: Circus, Special Needs & Radical Possibility | Jason Barrett | Ep 42

    ✨ "You’re not stuck. You just haven’t talked to the right mentor yet." – Jason Barrett✨ "If you find a purpose—and the courage to follow it—you’ll surprise yourself every time." – Jason BarrettWhat happens when a 12‑year‑old kid walks into a summer camp for people with profound disabilities—and never really leaves? Performer, father, and nonprofit co‑founder Jason Barrett joins Rupert Isaacson for a funny, vulnerable, and deeply inspiring conversation about service, special needs, faith, horses, circus arts, and what it really takes to build a life around purpose. From his first summer at Camp Smile at age 12—changing diapers, pushing wheelchairs, and learning forgiveness from the people he was supposed to be "helping"—to running Ali’s School of Equestrian Arts and the touring troupe Equestrian Chaos, Jason has spent his life saying yes to hard things. Along the way he walked through Southern Baptist culture, Jehovah’s Witness ministry, corporate retail, massage therapy school, and a Dolly Parton equestrian dinner show… before hitching his future to a pregnant trick rider, two horses, and $1300 in a Honda Element. In this episode, Jason and Rupert explore how mentorship, community, and rhythm (both equine and human) can change a life; why therapeutic riding often gets the economics and excitement wrong; and how a tiny backyard fundraiser became one of the most badass horse shows in the U.S.—all while centering neurodivergent and disabled riders. ❤️ Support the Podcast on Patreon https://patreon.com/longridehome 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What Jason learned about gratitude, privilege, and perspective from disabled adults in diapers and wheelchairs ([00:03:00])Jason’s journey through Southern Baptist culture and Jehovah’s Witness ministry—and why he ultimately walked away from organized religion ([00:04:00])How Camp Smile and a brave youth pastor pulled 12‑year‑old Jason into the world of special needs ([00:04:18])Why teen volunteers are a “sweet spot” for mentorship—and how the right community can change a kid’s entire trajectory ([00:06:33])How neurodivergent campers taught him forgiveness, intention, and how to really see the person behind the behavior ([00:08:46])How leaving the corporate retail world led him toward hands‑on work, massage therapy, and back into direct service ([00:32:04])The love story: meeting Sise at Dolly Parton’s equestrian dinner show, an unexpected pregnancy, and starting over in Alabama with two horses and $1300 ([00:36:15])How Ali’s School of Equestrian Arts began at Camp Smile—and what Jason and Sise had to learn the hard way about the economics of therapeutic riding ([00:40:00])Jason’s 3‑part formula for getting unstuck: find purpose, seek mentors, and stop rehearsing your problems on loop ([00:43:30])Why Equestrian Chaos was born as a backyard fundraiser—and how COVID nearly killed the program before the show saved everything ([00:53:22])Why boredom is dangerous for both horses and riders—and how performance goals keep everyone mentally alive ([00:59:35])How they safely integrate autistic and brain‑injured riders into high‑level circus acts (including standing on galloping horses) through tiny steps, rhythm, and obsession‑based motivation ([01:05:37]) 🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode: Rupert’s provocative question about the Southern Baptist Church and slavery—and Jason’s honest answer about separating individuals from institutions. ([00:04:00])Jason’s first day at Camp Smile: a 12‑year‑old kid, a 49‑year‑old nonverbal camper, a restless lunch line—and the realization that “most of us don’t really have problems.” ([00:05:37])The autistic boy who ended up standing in full Hippodrome position on a running horse after months of micro‑steps (and hot Cheetos). ([00:05:37])Learning forgiveness from the special needs community: “You get a second chance without a slap in the face—because the relationship matters more than the mistake.” ([00:08:46])Jason knocking on doors as a young Jehovah’s Witness, learning public speaking and resilience from the world’s hardest audience. ([00:27:27])Selling everything, loading two horses into a $900 trailer, and driving home with Sise and $1300 to start a new life in Mobile. ([00:36:15])Realizing they were losing money running camp programs with 15–20 horses and 100 riders a week for $3000—"our budgeting was make‑believe in the real world." ([00:40:00])Jason’s closing counsel on spirituality and purpose: find a purpose, talk to people who’ve found theirs, and stop replaying the same painful story in your head. ([00:43:30])COVID hits: programs shut down, savings run out, and Equestrian Chaos (the show) becomes the only way to keep the herd—and the mission—alive. ([00:53:22])A 70‑year‑old woman in tears at the rail: “You just put my 70‑year dream on display. I was the first woman to compete in mounted archery when they didn’t want us to ride.” ([01:06:39])📚 Books and Projects Mentioned: Equestrian Chaos – touring equestrian circus & mounted archery show Celisse’s School of Equestrian Arts – therapeutic riding & performance‑based horsemanship Camp Smile – the special needs summer camp where it all began New Trails Learning Systems – Movement Method & Horse Boy Method Helios Harmony – classical dressage training in the style of the old masters Website: https://equestrianchaos.com🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com 📲 Follow Us: Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome New Trails LearningWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems 📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

    1h 34m
  7. Stepping Into Strength: Resilient Parenting, Movement, and Healing the Overwhelmed Mind | Dr. Kate Lund | Ep 41

    11/27/2025

    Stepping Into Strength: Resilient Parenting, Movement, and Healing the Overwhelmed Mind | Dr. Kate Lund | Ep 41

    ✨ “Sometimes we just need to be—without the pressure of doing more.” – Dr. Kate Lund ✨ “Movement and nature help us return to ourselves when the world feels too loud.” – Dr. Kate Lund What does resilience really look like when life pulls the rug out from under you—again and again? Clinical psychologist, author, and resilience expert Dr. Kate Lund joins Rupert Isaacson for an intimate and powerful conversation about childhood illness, brain surgery, parenting, pressure, movement, nature, and how we find our way back to possibility. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus at age four, Kate spent much of her childhood in and out of hospitals—big surgeries, big fears, and big recoveries. Yet she grew into someone who not only rebuilt her life, but teaches others how to reclaim theirs. Today, she specializes in resilient parenting, stress regulation, and helping families thrive inside their own unique context. In this episode, Rupert and Kate explore how movement (from walking to tennis to long‑distance cycling), intentional rest, nature, visualization, and even animal‑assisted therapy shape our emotional survival. They break down why slowing down is often the hardest thing for parents, why we forget what joy feels like, and why resilience is less about bouncing back and more about building forward—one small step at a time. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How childhood illness shaped Kate’s lifelong understanding of resilience ([00:04:00])What hydrocephalus is—and how shunts, surgeries, and uncertainty affect a child’s identity ([00:06:00])The role of movement (tennis, walking, cycling) in recovering brain function and emotional balance ([00:23:00])Why parents must learn to regulate their own stress before they can help their children ([00:31:00])How the “Relaxation Response” technique works (and why it’s simpler than mindfulness) ([00:34:00])Using visualization and nature—real or imagined—to calm the nervous system ([00:50:00])The surprising power of animal‑assisted therapy (and Wally the therapy dog) ([00:53:00])Why slowing down is the #1 barrier to resilience—and how to begin ([01:14:00])How parents with different approaches can communicate and find middle ground ([01:16:00])Small daily practices to build a resilient life (movement, joy, reflection) ([01:26:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode: “I wasn’t the carefree child—I was always calculating risk. But I could still find what I could do.” ([00:11:00])Kate walking the circular driveway over and over while recovering from brain surgery—movement as survival. ([00:29:00])Rupert trying the Relaxation Response in real time—with the word “horses.” ([00:36:00])“Animals always show up. They teach us how to show up too.” ([00:59:00])The child in the hospital hallway who walked for the first time in weeks—just to reach Wally the therapy dog. ([00:55:00])When crisis hits: why sometimes the bravest act is simply allowing yourself to stop.” ([01:06:00])“We can get so used to living in suboptimal states that we forget there’s more available.” ([01:15:00])📚 Books and Projects Mentioned: Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting – Dr. Kate Lund The Relaxation Response – Herbert Benson (background method referenced) The Optimized Mind Podcast – Hosted by Dr. Kate Lund Website: https://katelundspeaks.com 🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com 📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home:Website: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome New Trails Learning Systems:Website: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems 📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

    1h 35m
  8. When Nature Heals: Depression, Imagination & the Stories That Save Us with Jarod Anderson | Ep 40

    11/13/2025

    When Nature Heals: Depression, Imagination & the Stories That Save Us with Jarod Anderson | Ep 40

    From cryptids to hickory trees, raccoons, and the hidden balance of the natural world, writer and poet Jarod Anderson invites us into his world of imagination, healing, and belonging. In this deep and reflective conversation, Rupert Isaacson explores Jarod’s journey through depression, his rediscovery of nature, and how storytelling can transform pain into wonder. Together they uncover how imagination acts as a bridge back to the wild world—even when we’re confined by screens or cities—and how the stories we tell can become medicine for our own minds. Known for his podcast The CryptoNaturalist and his books Something in the Woods Loves You and Strange Animals (Ballantine Books, 2025), Jarod shares how his creative process, humor, and reverence for the strange help turn despair into curiosity and isolation into connection. This episode is a meditation on what happens when poetry meets survival, when darkness meets awe, and when we finally remember that nature has never stopped loving us. ✨ “We are more weather pattern than stone monument.” – Jarod Anderson ✨ “If you reach for wonder and come at it as a student, you’ll find it reaching back.” – Jarod Anderson 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How imagination and storytelling can help heal depression ([00:02:00])Reconnecting with nature after burnout and shame ([00:10:00])The origin story of The CryptoNaturalist podcast ([00:13:00])How cryptids mirror the human psyche and our need for balance ([00:16:00])The mythic guardians of Earth: from the Orbital Kingfisher to the Horned Wolf ([00:17:00])Finding healing through writing and mental health openness ([00:28:00])What inspired Something in the Woods Loves You ([00:29:00])Touching the Hickory Tree: how presence dissolves shame ([00:35:00])Lessons from the raccoon and the power of unpretty survival ([01:06:00])Shame, nature, and the cyclical nature of healing ([01:10:00])The role of stories, context, and compassion in healing ([01:27:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode: A teacher reading Mary Oliver poetry to 10-year-old Jarod in the woods ([00:02:00])The kitchen accident that led to rediscovering creativity through nature ([00:10:30])Creating The CryptoNaturalist: “a love letter to nature where everything is invented” ([00:14:00])The metaphor of depression as brain weather—no shame, just different skies ([00:45:00])The raccoon as a teacher of stubbornness and survival ([01:06:00])“Who says survival has to be pretty?” ([01:07:00])A squirrel revived by touch and returned to the grass—context as healing ([01:25:00])“If you reach for wonder and come at it as a student, you’ll find it reaching back.” ([01:51:00])📚 Books and Projects Mentioned:  Jarod Anderson Something in the Woods Loves You (Timber Press) https://amzn.to/443Uao1 –Strange Animals (Ballantine Books, Feb 2025) https://amzn.to/47znvsL –Haunted Forest Trilogy (3 books) https://amzn.to/3Lwah7C The CryptoNaturalist Podcast –  https://www.cryptonaturalist.com/  https://www.jarodkanderson.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Cryptonaturalist/ https://www.instagram.com/cryptonaturalist/ 🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com 📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home: Website: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome New Trails Learning Systems: Website: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems 📊 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.

    1h 60m
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About

Welcome to Live Free Ride Free, where we talk to people who have lived self-actualized lives on their own terms, and find out how they got there, what they do, how we can get there, what we can learn from them. How to live our best lives, find our own definition of success, and most importantly, find joy. Your Host is New York Times bestselling author Rupert Isaacson. Long time human rights activist, Rupert helped a group of Bushmen in the Kalahari fight for their ancestral lands. He's probably best known for his autism advocacy work following the publication of his bestselling book "The Horse Boy" and "The Long Ride Home" where he tells the story of finding healing for his autistic son. Subsequently he founded New Trails Learning Systems an approach for addressing neuro-psychiatric conditions through horses, movement and nature. The methods are now used around the world in therapeutic riding program, therapy offices and schools for special needs and neuro-typical children.  You can find details of all our programs and shows on www.RupertIsaacson.com

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