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Live Free Ride Free with Rupert Isaacson

Live Free Ride Free with Rupert Isaacson

By: 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.com2023 Helios Harmony, LLC Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Choosing Life: Farming, Disability & Healing Through Nature – Henrich Berkhoff | EP 39

    Choosing Life: Farming, Disability & Healing Through Nature – Henrich Berkhoff | EP 39
    Oct 23 2025
    In this deeply moving episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson welcomes Henrich Berkhoff, farmer, father, politician, and founder of child-protection and education initiatives in Germany.From facing a devastating prenatal diagnosis to creating one of Germany’s first Green Care Farms, Henrich shares how his son’s birth with spina bifida transformed his family’s life—igniting a mission to integrate nature, farming, and inclusion into education and policy.A lifelong advocate for children’s rights and special education, Henrich speaks about building community (“the tribe comes to you”), turning crisis into growth, and working with government leaders to make nature-based learning and therapy part of the public system.✨ “We can do more with our human power than we ever think.” – Henrich Berkhoff✨ “If you follow your feeling, you stay outside.” – Henrich Berkhoff🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Henrich’s son’s diagnosis reshaped his life and purpose ([00:08:00])The choice between termination and life—and what love decided ([00:10:00])How crisis builds community: “the tribe comes to you” ([00:24:00])Turning disability into advocacy for inclusive schools ([00:31:00])Why farming taught him political courage ([00:41:00])How ancient instincts meet modern overload ([00:48:00])Rewilding and the role of agriculture in healing ([01:00:00])How Green Care Farms connect nature, therapy, and education ([01:03:00])Why nature is medicine for the mind ([01:11:00])Gratitude to the special-needs children who teach us meaning ([01:37:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:[00:01:00] Henrich appears from the forest, explaining why he always feels at home in nature.[00:08:00] The moment he and his wife learn their unborn son has spina bifida.[00:10:55] Choosing life despite medical advice to terminate.[00:23:50] How community formed around their decision.[00:31:10] Creating the first inclusive local school for children with disabilities.[00:41:00] Why being a farmer trains you to be an advocate.[00:46:00] How hunting sharpened his sense of responsibility and balance with nature.[01:03:00] Founding the Green Care Farm and discovering science behind happiness in nature.[01:20:00] Reframing education: movement = learning.[01:37:20] “Disabled people give us the answers to our questions.”📚 Projects, Programs & People Mentioned:Henrich Berkhoff – Farmer, politician, and founder of the Child Protection Association (Münster region, Germany) https://greencarefarm.deGitti Berkhoff – Nurse, equine-therapist, and co-founder of the Green Care Farm - Podcast on Equine Assisted World with Rupert: https://equineassistedworld.com Julian Berkhoff – Their son, born with spina bifida and hydrocephalusMovement Method and Horse Boy Method – Developed by Rupert Isaacson & NTLSGreen Care Farm – Integrating therapy, inclusion, and sustainable farming https://greencarefarm.deDavid Doyle – Irish autism advocate and movement-in-nature pioneerCDU (Christian Democratic Union) – German political partyTechnical University of Munich (TUM) – Research on learning through movementConcepts: Rewilding | Inclusion | Nature as Medicine | Education Reform | Community Healing🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow UsLong Ride Home:Website: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems:Website: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📚 Books & Resources:Rupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land: https://longridehome.com/booksHenrich & Gitti Berkhoff – Green Care Farm GermanyNTLS Programs – Movement Method | Horse Boy Method | Takhin Equine Integration📊 Affiliate Disclosure:Links to books and programs may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep sharing these stories.
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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • The Science of Wonder: Jo Marchant on Mind, Body & the Present Moment | EP 38

    The Science of Wonder: Jo Marchant on Mind, Body & the Present Moment | EP 38
    Oct 9 2025
    In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with scientist, journalist, and bestselling author Dr. Jo Marchant (PhD in Genetics and Medical Microbiology) to explore the intersections between science, spirituality, and the human experience. From the placebo effect to consciousness, awe, and the nature of time itself, Jo unpacks her groundbreaking books Cure, The Human Cosmos, and her forthcoming In Search of Now. Together they examine what it means to live curiously, think freely, and rediscover wonder in a rational age.✨ “Science is asking questions of nature and listening to the answers.” – Jo Marchant✨ “If you are not curious, you are shrinking and dying.” – Jo Marchant🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Jo’s background in microbiology led to science writing ([00:02:45])What the placebo effect teaches about mind-body connection ([00:10:40])How empathy and belief influence healing ([00:16:22])Insights from Cure and the science of care ([00:21:05])Why humanity lost its connection to the sky (The Human Cosmos) ([00:37:10])How awe functions as a biological and healing state ([00:47:18])Exploring time and consciousness in In Search of Now ([01:03:09])How presence and attention shape perception ([01:09:55])Reflections on AI, creativity, and what defines being human ([01:42:50])Closing thoughts on curiosity, humility, and wonder ([02:18:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:[00:00:00] Rupert introduces Jo and sets the tone for exploring science and wonder.[00:02:45] Jo shares how her PhD path evolved into science writing.[00:10:40] The placebo effect and its implications for healing.[00:21:05] How storytelling reveals science’s human dimension.[00:37:10] Rediscovering ancient wisdom through The Human Cosmos.[00:47:18] Awe and wonder as measurable biological phenomena.[01:03:09] Searching for presence and time in In Search of Now.[01:17:31] Where science meets spirituality and meaning.[01:42:50] Jo reflects on AI, creativity, and human identity.[02:18:00] Final reflections on curiosity, love, and the science of wonder.📚 Projects, Writings & Ideas Mentioned:Dr. Jo Marchant, PhD – Science journalist and authorCure: A Journey into the Science of Mind Over Body https://amzn.to/3WrtVUmThe Human Cosmos: Civilization and the Stars https://amzn.to/4nBeXHfIn Search of Now (2025 release)Decoding the Heavens: A 2,000-Year-Old Computer -- and the Century-Long Search to Discover Its Secret https://amzn.to/437Y3YBPodcast: Where the Wild Thoughts AreWebsite: https://jomarchant.comResearchers mentioned: Dr. Ted Kaptchuk (Harvard), Manfred Schedlowski, Dan MoermanConcepts discussed: The placebo effect, awe, consciousness, free will, time perception, quantum perspectives🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow UsLong Ride Home:Website: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems:Website: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📚 Books & Resources:Rupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land: https://longridehome.com/booksJo Marchant – Cure, The Human Cosmos, In Search of Now📊 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.
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    2 hrs and 20 mins
  • Voices Beyond Words: Helena & Lina Hjalmarsson-Lyons on Autism, Love & Communication | EP 37

    Voices Beyond Words: Helena & Lina Hjalmarsson-Lyons on Autism, Love & Communication | EP 37
    Sep 25 2025

    Once nonverbal, Lina Hjalmarsson-Lyons now communicates through a letter board and her own writing—sharing profound insights into love, autism, and the human spirit. In this extraordinary episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with long-time friend Helena Hjalmarsson and her daughter Lina to explore the paradox of autism, poetry born from struggle, and what it means to align with our planet and each other. Their conversation moves from the excruciating journey of learning to spell, to navigating health challenges, to Lina’s vision of compassion as the cornerstone of society.

    ✨ “In learning how to spell, I set high on a cloud.” – Lina Hjalmarsson-Lyons

    ✨ “I see autism as the most profound inspiration that has ever existed. It is also the most profound challenge.” – Lina Hjalmarsson

    🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • How Lina moved from nonverbal to verbal communication through a letter board ([00:05:00])
    • Why autism can be both profound inspiration and profound challenge ([00:29:30])
    • Insights from Lina’s original poetry on love, suffering, and joy ([00:20:00])
    • How Helena and Lina navigate mycoplasma, OCD, and anxiety ([00:46:00])
    • Why expressing raw emotions can bring healing and resilience ([00:40:00])
    • What autistic voices can teach neurotypical people about universal love ([00:35:00])
    • Lina’s vision for compassionate leadership in her presidential essay ([00:58:00])

    🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

    • Rupert introduces the episode and its unprecedented nature ([00:00:00])
    • Lina shares her purpose: to spread love on this planet ([00:13:00])
    • Helena reads Lina’s poem A Love Meaning to Burst ([00:20:00])
    • Lina’s untitled poem about holding herself out of a hole ([00:22:00])
    • Lina’s poems Incisions and Soaring on suffering and transformation ([00:27:00])
    • Helena discusses mycoplasma, Lyme, and OCD in autism ([00:46:00])
    • Lina’s presidential essay: why compassion should guide America ([00:58:00])
    • Closing reflections – the need for autistic mentorship ([01:00:00])

    📚 Projects, Writings, and Ideas Mentioned:

    • Lina Hjalmarsson-Lyons – Poet, student, and autism advocate
    • Helena Hjalmarsson – Autism parent and advocate
    • Dr. Temple Grandin – Autism pioneer and mentor
    • Mary Coyle – Homeotoxicologist
    • Dr. Engles – Naturopath specializing in autism and Lyme disease

    🌍 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

    📚 Books & Resources:

    • Rupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land: https://longridehome.com/books

    📊 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.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
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