The Wisdom of Matriarchs Podcast

Julia Hayden

Welcome to The Wisdom of Matriarchs. A sacred space for women navigating the journey through this magical life. A creation for wisdom seekers, magic weavers and wayfinders, rising together - stepping into radical responsibility, learning, and growing to become the most fulfilled versions of ourselves.  Through heartfelt conversations about everything from birth, mothering, healing, and personal growth, we explore topics like natural living, ways of being, nutrition, parenting, emotional and physical wellbeing, the essence of what it means to be a woman and much more. Together, we weave ancient wisdom with modern knowledge, with the hope of building supportive communities and village along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Sep 18

    Del Bigtree: Questioning VaXXines and Medical Freedom

    In this episode, I’m joined by Del Bigtree, investigative journalist, former producer on The Doctors, and founder of The HighWire. We talk about his journey into investigating vaccine safety, his 2016 documentary Vaxxed, and the work he continues through The HighWire and the Informed Consent Action Network. We dive into vaccine safety, informed consent, medical freedom and the questions parents are often left asking, including his new film, An Inconvenient Study, and the research behind it. Connect with Del: 🌿 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delbigtree/ 🌿 The HighWire Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_highwirenews/ 🌿 Informed Consent Action Network: https://icandecide.org/ 🌿 WATCH An Inconvenient Study: https://www.aninconvenientstudy.com/ If you're loving these conversations, you can support the podcast via https://buymeacoffee.com/julesj?new=1 — every bit helps bring more wisdom your way! And PLEASE do stay connected: ✨ Keep up with Jules' events & offerings: https://www.instagram.com/ryecroftwellness ✨ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewisdomofmatriarchs ✨ Join Jules' Mailing to be kept up to date with everything Podcast and other events and news: https://bit.ly/julesmailinglist Feel free to get in touch via socials, via my website www.ryecroftwellness.co.uk or email jules@ryecroftwellness.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Del Bigtree: Questioning VaXXines and Medical Freedom
  2. Sep 7

    Reception Baseline Assessement: Special with Dr Mandy Pierlejewski

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Mandy Pierlejewski, researcher at Leeds Beckett University and former early years teacher, to explore the Reception Baseline Assessment. Introduced in 2021, this government-controlled assessment is taken by children when they start Reception, with the data feeding into the Department for Education’s progress measures. Mandy shares findings from two years of research observing the assessment in schools, including the distress she witnessed in four-year-olds and the additional barriers created by the newer iPad-based version. We talk about screens, language, equity, data, and what happens when very young children are expected to demonstrate what they know through a scripted digital assessment. This conversation raises some important questions about what we are asking of four-year-olds, and what parents need to know about the assessments their children are being asked to take. 🌿 Read Mandy’s research and the full blog: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/blogs/carnegie-education/2026/07/the-reception-baseline-assessment-contravenes-screen-use-guidance/ If you're loving these conversations, you can support the podcast via https://buymeacoffee.com/julesj?new=1 — every bit helps bring more wisdom your way! And PLEASE do stay connected: ✨ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewisdomofmatriarchs ✨ Keep up with Jules' events & offerings: https://www.instagram.com/ryecroftwellness ✨ Join Jules' Mailing to be kept up to date with everything Podcast and other events and news: https://bit.ly/julesmailinglist Feel free to get in touch via socials, via my website www.ryecroftwellness.co.uk or email jules@ryecroftwellness.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Reception Baseline Assessement: Special with Dr Mandy Pierlejewski
  3. Jul 17

    The Missing Village... Motherhood and community

    In this episode, I’m joined by my best friend, Lauren and occasional co-host on The Wisdom of Matriarchs. Together we explore something I believe every woman longs for... a village. Following Lauren's recent pregnancy, we reflect on what it looked like to receive support when family wasn't close by, and how a community of women rallied around with meals, practical help, and simply being there. We talk about why so many of us feel isolated in modern motherhood, how we've normalised doing everything alone, and what it really means to build a village in today's world. Not communal living or losing our independence, but creating meaningful friendships, asking for help, and becoming the kind of person who shows up for others too. We also share why we created Yorkshire Mama and The Prenatal Village — spaces where women can gather in person to be supported, learn, share stories, and navigate pregnancy, birth and motherhood together. This episode is an invitation to stop waiting for the village to appear... and to start becoming part of one. If you're loving these conversations, you can support the podcast via https://buymeacoffee.com/julesj?new=1 — every bit helps bring more wisdom your way! And PLEASE do stay connected: ✨ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewisdomofmatriarchs ✨ Keep up with Jules' events & offerings: https://www.instagram.com/ryecroftwellness ✨ Join Jules' Mailing to be kept up to date with everything Podcast and other events and news: https://bit.ly/julesmailinglist Feel free to get in touch via socials, via my website www.ryecroftwellness.co.uk or email jules@ryecroftwellness.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Missing Village... Motherhood and community
  4. Jul 7

    Post-Partum MATTERS - With Lauren Clover Yoga Postpartum

    In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Lauren — founder of Clover Yoga Postpartum, postpartum doula, educator, and passionate champion of mothers. We explore the realities of modern motherhood, the forgotten wisdom of postpartum care, and why the first six weeks after birth deserve so much more than a quick check-up and a return to normal. Lauren shares her journey into birth work, the importance of rest, nourishment, and community, and why she's so passionate about helping families reclaim a slower, more supported postpartum. We also speak honestly about social media, the pressures of running an online business, and the importance of authenticity, boundaries, and staying true to yourself in a digital world. This is a conversation for every mother, birth worker, and family wanting to understand postpartum not as six weeks to survive, but as a sacred transition to honour. 🌿 Connect with Lauren: Website: HERE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloveryogapostpartum If you're loving these conversations, you can support the podcast via https://buymeacoffee.com/julesj?new=1 — every bit helps bring more wisdom your way! And PLEASE do stay connected: ✨ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewisdomofmatriarchs ✨ Keep up with Jules' other events & offerings: https://www.instagram.com/ryecroftwellness ✨ Join Jules' Mailing to be kept up to date with everything Podcast and other events and news: https://bit.ly/julesmailinglist Feel free to get in touch via socials, via my website www.ryecroftwellness.co.uk or email jules@ryecroftwellness.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Post-Partum MATTERS - With Lauren Clover Yoga Postpartum
  5. Jun 19

    Danny Bent

    In this episode, I’m joined by Danny Bent — adventurer, speaker, community builder, and leader of transformational experiences that invite people back to themselves through challenge, connection, and the natural world. Danny has lived many lives in one lifetime. From endurance events and wild adventures to deep inner work, psychedelics, men's work, and rites of passage, his path has been one of continually exploring what it means to be fully human. We speak about resilience and emotional expression, the role of healthy anger, and the importance of initiation in a world that often leaves people disconnected from themselves, their communities, and the natural rhythms of life. Danny shares his experiences with psychedelics and psychotherapy, the profound lessons they offered, and the healing journey of meeting shame with compassion and understanding. We also explore modern overwhelm, the increasing pull towards nature and simplicity, raising resilient humans, food, hunting, adventure, and what it means to stay grounded and connected in a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and AI. This is a rich, thought-provoking conversation about courage, belonging, healing, and remembering the parts of ourselves that modern life often asks us to forget. Connect with Danny: 🌿 Website: https://www.dannybent.com 🌿 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannybent If you're loving these conversations, you can support the podcast via https://buymeacoffee.com/julesj?new=1 — every bit helps bring more wisdom your way! And PLEASE do stay connected: ✨ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewisdomofmatriarchs ✨ Keep up with Jules' events & offerings: https://www.instagram.com/ryecroftwellness ✨ Join Jules' Mailing to be kept up to date with everything Podcast and other events and news: https://bit.ly/julesmailinglist Feel free to get in touch via socials, via my website www.ryecroftwellness.co.uk or email jules@ryecroftwellness.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Danny Bent
  6. Jun 12

    Melissa Gut Harmony Mama

    In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Sowery, the creator of Gut Harmony Mama — a mother, educator, and passionate advocate for a gentler, gut-first approach to starting solids. Her journey began with her eldest child's struggles with eczema, and a growing sense that mainstream weaning advice wasn't addressing the root causes of the health challenges so many children face today. We explore the connection between gut health, immunity, eczema, allergies, asthma, and the modern influences that can impact a child's microbiome from the very beginning — including antibiotics, birth interventions, formula feeding, processed foods, and environmental exposures. Drawing on the GAPS framework, we discuss nourishing foods that support healing and resilience, from meat stocks and slow-cooked meats to healthy fats and fermented foods. We also talk about introducing solids slowly, intentionally, and in tune with a baby's developmental readiness and cues. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for parents who want to support their children's health from the inside out and feel more confident navigating the journey of feeding their families. Connect with Gut Harmony Mama: 🌿 Website: https://www.gutharmonymamma.com 🌿 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gutharmonymamma?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== If you're loving these conversations, you can support the podcast via https://buymeacoffee.com/julesj?new=1 — every bit helps bring more wisdom your way! And PLEASE do stay connected: ✨ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewisdomofmatriarchs ✨ Keep up with Jules' events & offerings: https://www.instagram.com/ryecroftwellness ✨ Join Jules' Mailing to be kept up to date with everything Podcast and other events and news: https://bit.ly/julesmailinglist Feel free to get in touch via socials, via my website www.ryecroftwellness.co.uk or email jules@ryecroftwellness.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Melissa Gut Harmony Mama

About

Welcome to The Wisdom of Matriarchs. A sacred space for women navigating the journey through this magical life. A creation for wisdom seekers, magic weavers and wayfinders, rising together - stepping into radical responsibility, learning, and growing to become the most fulfilled versions of ourselves.  Through heartfelt conversations about everything from birth, mothering, healing, and personal growth, we explore topics like natural living, ways of being, nutrition, parenting, emotional and physical wellbeing, the essence of what it means to be a woman and much more. Together, we weave ancient wisdom with modern knowledge, with the hope of building supportive communities and village along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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