Discover the world of New York Times bestselling author Rupert Isaacson—where neuroscience, learning, spirituality, and horses inspire transformation. 

Latest Episodes

From Hippie to Stanford: Medicine, Horses & Quantum Consciousness with Dr. Beverley Kane | Ep 36

From hitchhiking to California with $35 in her pocket, to becoming a Stanford professor, medical doctor, and pioneer in equine-assisted programs, Dr. Beverley Kane’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and transformation. In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Dr. Kane to trace her journey through medicine, sports science, corporate Silicon Valley, parapsychology, and ultimately to horses—where she bridges science and spirituality.Beverley shares how her early activism during the Vietnam War led her into medicine, what she learned working in preventive health and AI at Apple and WebMD, and why a kitchen accident opened the door to horses, play, and somatic healing. Today she teaches Qigong with horses at Stanford, guiding students and professionals into deeper connection, stress relief, and self-regulation through equanimity.✨ “Quantum physics is the physics of love and entanglement is about connection.” – Dr. Beverley Kane✨ “When I found therapeutic riding, for the first time it was just playful to be on horses.” – Dr. Beverley Kane🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Hitchhiking to California with $35 and starting anew ([00:01:00])Dropping out of Columbia, activism, and rediscovering medicine ([00:03:00])Medical training at UCSF and mentorship from Nobel Prize winner Michael Bishop ([00:05:00])Practicing medicine in Alaska and discovering sports medicine ([00:07:00])Stanford preventive medicine research and corporate health at Apple ([00:12:00])Stories from Apple’s Great American Smokeout and early AI projects ([00:16:00])Moving into WebMD and the rise (and bust) of Silicon Valley dot-com culture ([00:21:00])Discovering horses at age 52 after an accident and entering therapeutic riding ([00:27:00])Finding joy and play with horses through therapeutic riding ([00:34:00])Bringing Medicine & Horsemanship programs to Stanford ([00:43:00])Teaching Qigong with horses and the Equanimity program ([00:50:00])Quantum physics, parapsychology, and the science of consciousness ([01:10:00])Why entanglement points toward love, connection, and healing ([01:42:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Getting sick upon arriving in Berkeley and repaying kindness at the Free Clinic ([00:02:00])Lessons from Nobel Prize winner Michael Bishop on scientific breakthroughs ([00:09:00])Transitioning from sports medicine to preventive health research at Stanford ([00:12:00])A story of helping an Apple employee quit smoking to transition safely ([00:16:00])The kitchen accident that shifted her horsemanship to play and healing ([00:31:00])Dreaming of red mustangs in the desert and discovering equine-assisted learning ([00:40:00])Establishing equine-assisted electives for Stanford medical students ([00:47:00])Teaching Qigong forms with horses for stress reduction and emotional release ([00:56:00])Exploring quantum entanglement, ESP, and the philosophy of science ([01:26:00])Calling quantum physics “the physics of love” ([01:42:00])📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Dr. Beverley Kane – Equine-imity: Stress Reduction and Emotional Self-Regulation in the Company of Horses https://amzn.to/4nqsAJ9The Manual of Medicine and Horsemanship - https://amzn.to/4nq2ENKDr. Beverley Kane – Adjunct Clinical Professor at Stanford, author of Equanimity and manuals on Medicine & HorsemanshipMichael Bishop – Nobel Prize-winning biochemistBarbara Rector – Equine-assisted learning pioneerAlan Hamilton – Neurosurgeon and founder of Medicine & HorsemanshipQuantum physicist Amit Goswami – The Self-Aware UniverseRupert Sheldrake – Theories of morphic resonanceRussell Targ & Hal Puthoff – Parapsychology and remote viewing research🌍 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/@longridehomeNew 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.

Resilience, Mules & Pediatric Wisdom: Dr. Mark Uranga on Community, Horses & Healing | EP 36

Episode Title:Guest Introduction:(If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome)“Being attuned to hesitation is what allows for finding the next step.” – Dr. Mark UrangaIn this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson is joined by Dr. Mark Uranga, a pediatrician from Boise, Idaho, with deep Basque roots and a lifelong connection to horses and mules. Blending his medical expertise with his equestrian experience, Dr. Uranga explores how resilience, community, and attunement shape both childhood development and equine-assisted practices.From the cultural heritage of the Basque people to the sure-footed wisdom of mules, this conversation dives into what resilience really means, why attunement is vital in pediatrics and horsemanship, and how nature and equines offer healing pathways beyond clinical walls.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Basque traditions of tribal upbringing and resilience (Starts at 00:05:00)The difference between authoritarian vs. authoritative parenting (Starts at 00:23:00)How attunement with children and horses builds trust (Starts at 00:38:00)Why mules embody persistence, safety, and discernment (Starts at 00:42:00)The role of stubbornness vs. flexibility in human growth and horsemanship (Starts at 00:51:00)The mammalian caregiving system and why nurture drives resilience (Starts at 01:35:00)Why doctors should “prescribe nature” alongside medicine (Starts at 01:46:00)🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:“A comfortable child is a more reliable patient.” (00:04:00)On Basque childhood: “An 8-year-old carrying an 8-month-old — that’s resilience in practice.” (00:08:00)“Authoritative parenting provides the framework — without the conflict of authoritarianism.” (00:26:00)The mule’s pause as a model for resilience: “Their sense of self-preservation keeps us safe.” (00:47:00)“Being attuned to hesitation is what allows for finding the next step.” (00:59:00)On magic and awe: “We’re still monkeys on horses, moved by the mystery of it all.” (01:20:00)Why every pediatrician should spend time in nature-based learning environments (01:51:00)🤝 Connect with Dr. Mark Uranga:🎙️ Podcast: The Kid Wrangler (Spotify)📧 Email: theidahokidwrangler@gmail.com🌐 Warm Springs Care Farm (Boise, ID): https://www.warmspringscarefarm.org/🌐 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.comEquine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride HomeFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems🧺 Affiliate Disclosure:Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

Fear, Tribe & Escape Rooms: A Life of Risk and Resilience with Paul Illingworth | Ep 35 Live Free Ride Free

 From the rugby fields of London to the Merchant Navy, Special Forces, skydiving, aviation, and entrepreneurship—Paul Illingworth’s life has been defined by risk, resilience, and relentless drive. In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Paul to trace a journey that spans fear, family, and the search for tribe.Paul shares how being bullied as a child forged his fighter’s spirit, how rugby and the Navy honed his leadership, and why fear should never be allowed to rule your life. From building successful businesses—including skydiving operations and escape rooms—to exploring how community can heal a generation lost in gaming, Paul offers raw insights into courage, discipline, and finding purpose.✨ “Fear is something you build up inside you. Push it aside—and deal with life.” – Paul Illingworth✨ “It always comes back to tribe. Whatever your tribe is, find it and commit to it.” – Paul Illingworth🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How a childhood accident and bullying sparked resilience ([00:07:00])The lessons rugby taught about teamwork, leadership, and belonging ([00:19:00])Joining the Merchant Navy and confronting storms at sea ([00:29:00])Why fear must be faced head-on rather than avoided ([00:47:00])The leap from oil rigs to aviation and skydiving ([00:58:00])Lessons from flight school and pushing limits in the air ([01:00:00])Navigating life-and-death moments and mastering discipline ([01:06:00])The importance of camaraderie in high-risk environments ([01:10:00])Building a successful skydiving business from scratch ([01:20:00])Creating escape rooms as a new form of entrepreneurship ([01:41:00])Why gaming culture points to a deeper hunger for tribe ([01:45:00])Fatherhood, resilience, and passing strength to the next generation ([01:50:00])Why tribe and community remain central to a fulfilling life ([01:53:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Paul describes being bullied and deciding to fight back ([00:07:00])Discovering rugby as a space for belonging and leadership ([00:19:00])Facing storms during Merchant Navy service ([00:29:00])Learning to control fear through discipline ([00:47:00])Stories of flying and skydiving adventures ([00:58:00])Building and selling businesses, from skydiving to escape rooms ([01:20:00])Reflections on tribe, community, and resilience ([01:50:00])📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Paul Illingworth – Entrepreneur, Navy veteran, business innovator (skydiving, escape rooms, aviation)Rupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land https://longridehome.com/books🌍 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/@longridehomeNew 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.

Healing Horses, Healing Humans: Dr. Janet Varhus on Ulcers, Posture & Equine Well-Being | EP 35

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Dr. Janet Varhus, DVM—a veterinarian whose decades of practice bridge old-school horsemanship, holistic care, and cutting-edge therapies like acupuncture, fascia release, and low-level laser treatment. From endurance riding roots to working alongside Linda Tellington-Jones, Dr. Varhus offers a rare, practical roadmap through the complex world of equine health.Together, they explore ulcers, fascia, posture, contaminated feeds, and how barns can combine tradition with holistic practices to keep therapy horses sound, safe, and thriving.If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why posture reveals hidden health issues (Starts at 00:29:00)The role of ulcers in behavior, stress, and performance (Starts at 00:33:00)Glyphosate in grain feeds and what to do about it (Starts at 00:34:00)Herbs and natural remedies for ulcers and liver health (Starts at 00:54:00)Low-level lasers: how they heal nerves, trauma, and chronic injuries (Starts at 00:57:00)Why companionship and enrichment matter as much as feed and shelter (Starts at 01:19:00)The difference between movement, enrichment, and true exercise for horses (Starts at 01:20:00)How to give horses choice, voice, and options for play (Starts at 01:32:00)🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Janet on diagnosing ulcers with acupressure and laser points (00:17:00)Why “I see you” is her starting point with every horse (00:29:57)Why at least half of horses she sees suffer from ulcers (00:33:12)The dangers of glyphosate in grain feeds—and humic acid as a solution (00:37:39)How low-level lasers cut healing time in half for horses, dogs, and even people (01:13:00)Living in a barn with her horses: “They come in for coffee with my husband.” (01:38:06)🤝 Connect with Dr. Janet Varhus, DVM:Email: jvarhusdvm@yahoo.com🌐 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.comEquine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride HomeFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems🧺 Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

From Horses to Human Rights: Rupert Isaacson’s Journey of Service, Healing & Self-Actualization | Ep 34

In this rare solo episode of Live Free Ride Free, host Rupert Isaacson shares his own extraordinary story—tracing a path from his multicultural childhood in London to horseback adventures, indigenous rights campaigns, and the creation of groundbreaking autism and equine therapy programs. Rupert weaves together vivid life experiences: from retraining an unruly ex-racehorse as a boy, to helping the Bushmen of the Kalahari win historic land claims, to transforming his son’s autism journey through horses, nature, and movement. This is a deep dive into service, resilience, and the magic of following the call of adventure.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How a childhood nervous breakdown led Rupert to horses and nature ([00:11:00])Lessons from growing up between multiple cultures and identities ([00:05:00])The entrepreneurial path to buying his first horse at age 14 ([00:13:00])Adventures and dangers as a young journalist in Africa and North America ([00:34:00])The role of indigenous wisdom in Rupert’s life and work ([00:56:00])Behind-the-scenes of the Bushman land claims in South Africa and Botswana ([01:00:00])How his son’s autism diagnosis reshaped his mission and methods ([01:36:00])The creation of Horse Boy Method, Movement Method, and Takhin Equine Integration ([01:39:00])Why service is the key to sustaining your dreams ([01:46:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Meeting legendary wolf expert Rick McIntyre in Yellowstone and conceiving the Live Free Ride Free podcast ([00:02:00])Training an unmanageable ex-racehorse and discovering his calling ([00:14:00])Hitchhiking into the Kalahari and first encounters with Bushman healers ([00:57:00])Witnessing the unexpected twist that won Botswana’s largest land claim ([01:30:00])The life-changing advice from Dr. Temple Grandin on helping his autistic son ([01:34:00])The reindeer healer in Siberia who transformed Rowan’s progress ([01:42:00])📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Rupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land https://longridehome.com/booksHorse Boy Method, Movement Method, Takhin Equine Integration https://ntls.coLong Ride Home - Horse Training: https://longridehome.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/@longridehomeNew 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.