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. The Lost Gardens of Heligan: Storytelling, Nature, Horses & the Power of Place | Laura Chesterfield | LFRF 49

    2D AGO

    The Lost Gardens of Heligan: Storytelling, Nature, Horses & the Power of Place | Laura Chesterfield | LFRF 49

    “ If you lead with heart and joy, you end up with heart and joy.” – Laura Chesterfield “ It’s not about being an expert in everything — it’s about being interested in everything.” – Laura Chesterfield Laura Chesterfield grew up inside one of the most magical landscape restorations in the world: The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. As the daughter of Heligan co‑founder Tim Smit, Laura watched the famous gardens emerge from decades of abandonment after the First World War — a process that revealed not only a remarkable landscape, but powerful stories about people, nature, restoration, and belonging. In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Laura about what it means to build a sense of place — and why storytelling, nature, animals, and imagination are essential to human wellbeing. Laura shares the extraordinary story of Heligan’s rediscovery, when the signatures of gardeners who had left for World War I were found written on a wall in the “Thunderbox Room,” marking the moment the gardens fell silent for decades. From tropical jungles and giant tree ferns to regenerative farming, rare breed livestock, poetry hidden in landscapes, and sculptures like the famous Mud Maid, Heligan has become a living example of how landscape, creativity, ecology, and community can intertwine. The conversation explores how landscapes can become healing spaces, why storytelling connects people more deeply than information, the role animals — including horses — play in shaping human identity, regenerative farming and biodiversity restoration, reintroducing beavers as a keystone species, and how curiosity and playfulness drive innovation. Laura also discusses her next chapter: launching Lova Studios, a consultancy helping organizations discover and communicate the deeper stories within their landscapes, businesses, and communities. This is a conversation about place, memory, nature, imagination, and how meaningful stories shape the future. FREE Helios Harmony Intro Course: https://longridehome.com/onoutpout What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How the Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered after decades of abandonment following World War I [00:03:00]The powerful moment when the signatures of the wartime gardeners were discovered on the wall of the “Thunderbox Room” [00:04:29]Why Heligan became a living landscape rather than a static historic garden [00:12:10]How landscapes can become places of emotional healing and reflection [00:15:13]The famous Heligan sculptures — including the Mud Maid, the Giant’s Head, and the Grey Lady — and how they inspire storytelling [00:26:10]How poetry and art were integrated into the landscape through Simon Armitage’s Dwell collection [00:33:00]The creation of the six‑meter fox sculpture inspired by Heligan wildlife and poetry [00:39:00]Why the Heligan Bug Hotel became the largest insect hotel in the world [00:46:04]How beavers function as a keystone species and transform ecosystems [00:56:27]The role regenerative grazing plays in restoring soil health and biodiversity [01:11:00]How horses shaped Laura’s personal connection to nature and leadership [01:18:00]Why storytelling is the key to helping people connect emotionally with landscapes and places [01:37:00]Memorable Moments from the Episode: The rediscovery of Heligan’s abandoned tools and buildings exactly as the gardeners left them before the war [00:02:50]The haunting signatures of the gardeners who left for World War I and never returned [00:04:29]Walking through Heligan’s jungle ravine of giant tree ferns and gunnera plants [00:18:00]The Mud Maid sculpture — a sleeping earth figure made of moss and soil [00:26:10]Simon Armitage’s poem inspiring the creation of the massive fox sculpture [00:35:54]The Bug Hotel TripAdvisor poem told from the perspective of insects [00:49:59]The moment a fallen 200‑year‑old tree was transformed into the fox sculpture [00:42:00]Laura describing the day she lost her beloved Welsh Section D pony after 23 years [01:21:00]The idea that storytelling — not signage — is what makes people truly connect to a place [01:46:27]Projects and Organizations Mentioned: The Lost Gardens of HeliganThe Eden ProjectRare Breeds Survival TrustNew Trails Learning SystemsHelios HarmonyAbout Laura Chesterfield: Laura Chesterfield grew up surrounded by one of the most remarkable landscape restoration projects in Europe: The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. Over nearly a decade working at Heligan, she helped lead projects that integrated storytelling, livestock farming, ecology, art, and visitor experience — including the Heligan Rare Breed Farm Park, wildlife initiatives, sculpture programs, and biodiversity projects such as beaver reintroduction and regenerative grazing. Laura is now launching Lova Studios, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations uncover and communicate the deeper stories within landscapes, communities, and businesses. Website:  Lowenva Studios: https://lowenvastudio.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 59m
  2. America Within America: Tribal Advocacy, Sovereignty & the Future of Native Nations | Jeff Tomhave | LFRF 48

    MAR 5

    America Within America: Tribal Advocacy, Sovereignty & the Future of Native Nations | Jeff Tomhave | LFRF 48

    ✨ “Once people release the trauma, we can start dreaming about possibility.” – Jeff Tomhave ✨ “It’s not rocket science. It’s telling a compelling story to a receptive audience.” – Jeff Tomhave Jeff Tomhave is a Native American attorney and tribal advocate who has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of federal policy, infrastructure development, healthcare access, and tribal sovereignty. In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Jeff for a far‑reaching conversation about what it means to live in “America within America.” From federal land trust systems and underfunded reservations to cancer treatment access and tribal disenrollment, Jeff offers a rare inside look at how Native nations navigate – and challenge – the structures imposed upon them. Jeff shares how his own path to law was less about becoming a courtroom attorney and more about gaining the tools to advocate for tribal communities at the highest levels of government. Together, he and Rupert explore invisibility, historic trauma, cultural survival, gaming revenues, sovereignty, and Jeff’s long‑term dream of training the next generation of tribal advocates. This is not just a conversation about law. It is about survival, adaptation, sovereignty, healing, and what the future of Native America could look like. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Jeff’s tribal background (Hidatsa, Mandan, Arikara, Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk) and how boarding school history shaped modern Native identity [00:06:00]Why he chose to earn a law degree without intending to practice traditional law [00:10:00]How the federal trust system prevents many tribes from owning their own land [00:12:49]Why property taxation limitations impact essential services on reservations [00:16:27]How infrastructure advocacy actually works in Washington, DC [00:25:00]The Navajo Mountain road project and how paving 14 miles changed an entire school system [00:25:46]How HIV/AIDS treatment became accessible in Indian Country after years of advocacy [00:30:23]The 10-year effort to secure reimbursement for the first cancer treatment center on Navajo Nation [00:32:32]Why Native America often feels “invisible” inside the United States [00:45:04]The impact of checkerboard land systems and railroad-era policies on modern reservations [00:47:25]The reality behind gaming revenue and why most tribes remain economically fragile [01:04:33]The controversial practice of tribal disenrollment and blood quantum laws [01:24:33]Jeff’s vision for training a new generation of tribal advocates from within Native communities [01:44:00]What a unified Native future could look like 50 years from now [01:46:39]Memorable Moments from the Episode: The powwow rodeo lariat dance as a symbol of cultural evolution [00:58:50]The “divide and conquer” legacy and why tribal unity remains complex [01:10:53]The idea that genocide can continue through policy and paperwork [01:26:26]The story of French adoption into Plains tribes and cultural adaptation [01:32:00]Rupert recounts how Navajo ceremony transformed his son’s autism journey [01:41:00]Jeff’s quiet but powerful dream of building tribal advocacy capacity from the ground up [01:44:00]Projects and Organizations Mentioned: • Tomhave Group • Native American Humane Society • Navajo Nation • Indian Health Service • Bureau of Indian Affairs • First Nations Development Institute About Jeff Tomhave: Jeff Tomhave is a Native American advocate and Juris Doctor who has dedicated his career to helping tribes secure infrastructure, healthcare access, and federal resources. Through the Tomhave Group, he works directly with tribal governments to develop strategy, secure funding, and navigate federal systems. After more than two decades in Washington, DC, Jeff and his wife Brandy are relocating to North Dakota, where they plan to establish a community-based advocacy and training center aimed at building long-term tribal self-advocacy capacity. To learn more: https://tomhavegroup.com See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com Follow Us: Long Ride Home: Website: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@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 59m
  3. Time Travel Through the Classical Canon: Xenophon Press, Emotional Mastery & the Future of Horsemanship with Richard Williams EP 47

    FEB 19

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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