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

Latest Episodes

Dr. Megan McGavern on Reclaiming Hope, Creating Saving Her Son, and Changing Medicine from Within | Ep 25

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Dr. Megan McGavern, a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Megan shares the powerful story behind the founding of C.H.A.T.S.—Creative, Holistic, Adaptive, Therapeutic Solutions—and how it was born out of both professional insight and personal necessity.When her son Cole faced significant challenges, and medical professionals told her to accept that he might never regain functionality, Megan refused to give up. Drawing on her medical training, clinical experience, and deep intuition as a mother, she created C.H.A.T.S. as a space where children like Cole could thrive. C.H.A.T.S. is not about traditional therapy or horseback riding—it is about building relationship, regulation, and readiness to learn through purposeful, adaptive, equine-based engagement.What sets Megan apart is her ability to take science-based, evidence-backed practices—like Movement Method—and integrate them meaningfully into both therapeutic and clinical settings. After traveling to New Trails to learn Movement Method and Horse Boy Method firsthand from Rupert Isaacson, Megan returned home and applied what she had learned with her son Cole. The profound changes she witnessed led her to establish C.H.A.T.S. as a nonprofit organization. From there, she worked to bring Movement Method into the medical establishment, eventually helping to launch a neuroscience conference focused on the approach and its clinical applications.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:From Despair to Innovation: A Mother’s Mission (Starts at 01:45)The moment Megan was told to “accept the loss” regarding her son Cole’s future.Why she decided to go beyond traditional care models.The founding of C.H.A.T.S. and how it gave Cole a new chance at life.Movement Method and Medical Practice (Starts at 20:10)How Megan found the Movement Method and incorporated it into her work.Practical ways she’s brought it into institutional and clinical settings.The role of science—not mysticism—in shaping her therapeutic philosophy.C.H.A.T.S. in Action (Starts at 32:40)What makes C.H.A.T.S. distinct from other equine-assisted programs.Why it's focused on adaptability, safety, and authentic connection.How Megan uses observation, relationship, and responsiveness to meet each child’s needs.The Dual Role: Mother and Medical Professional (Starts at 48:15)How personal experience reshaped her understanding of care.Advice for professionals who want to do more—but don’t know how.Why being present often matters more than having all the answers.Memorable Moments from the Episode:Megan recounts hearing that her son might never regain function (04:02).The turning point where C.H.A.T.S. took form in response to Cole’s needs (11:50).Integrating Movement Method into medical care (24:35).A reflection on letting go of "being the expert" to simply be present (53:20).Connect with Dr. Megan McGavern: 🌐 C.H.A.T.S. Website: https://chats757.com  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coleshorsetherapySee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: 🌐 Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.comFollow Us: Long Ride Home 📘 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/newtrailslearningsystemsTune in to this grounded and powerful conversation with Dr. Megan McGavern to learn how clinical science, determined parenting, and adaptive equine approaches are reshaping what's possible for children and families facing big challenges.

Healing with Frequency: Vibration, Consciousness & the Future of Medicine with Dr. Har Hari Khalsa | Ep 24 Live Free Ride Free

In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson dives deep into the intersection of holistic health, biohacking, and consciousness with Dr. Har Hari Khalsa, a Los Angeles-based chiropractor, yogi, and pioneer in integrative medicine. Together, they explore the power of vibration and frequency in healing—from chiropractic care to scalar waves—and how our relationship with nature, technology, and ancient wisdom holds the key to true well-being.📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:From Pain to Purpose (Starts at [00:01:40]) – Dr. Har Hari recounts his personal story of debilitating chronic pain in his 20s, and how chiropractic care changed his life trajectory.The Evolution and Suppression of Chiropractic (Starts at [00:03:00]) – Why chiropractic medicine has remained controversial despite over a century of success and how it differs from osteopathy.Biohacking the Body: Vibration, Light, and Magnetism (Starts at [00:12:00]) – A breakdown of technologies like PEMF, red light therapy, hyperbarics, and their effects on mitochondria, stem cells, and aging.Living in a Toxic World (Starts at [00:11:00]) – A discussion on the 80,000+ environmental toxins we face today and how healing practices must adapt to modern stressors.The Spiritual Science of Sikhism (Starts at [00:22:00]) – Har Hari shares his personal spiritual journey from Jewish upbringing to becoming a Sikh, including prophetic dreams and his time in a Boulder ashram.Scalar Waves and Quantum Healing (Starts at [01:39:00]) – What scalar energy is, how it differs from EMFs, and how devices like the CyberScan use these principles for extraordinary diagnostics and healing.✨ Memorable Moments from the Episode:Rupert and Har Hari trade stories about poo and microbiome health (Starts at [00:16:00]).Rupert plays devil’s advocate, questioning whether our time is really more toxic than previous centuries (Starts at [00:12:00]).The connection between militarism and mysticism in Sikh history—and how Har Hari’s past life visions led him there (Starts at [00:26:00]).The role of play in healing: from yoga to laughter therapy, the conversation closes on joy as the ultimate medicine (Starts at [01:57:00]).🚀 Action Steps from Dr. Har Hari:Explore Holistic Therapies – Look into chiropractic care, PEMF, red light, and hyperbarics as tools for vitality and healing.Reconnect with Nature – Kick off your shoes, lie under a tree, breathe in the biome—free, accessible medicine.Practice Short Daily Yoga – Even 3 to 11 minutes of breath and movement can rewire your system.Question the Matrix – Stay awake to media groupthink and cultivate mental sovereignty.📚 Books, Programs & Contact:🌐 Clinic & Contact: Transformational Healing Universe (THU): https://thuheal.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/thuheal📲 Devices & Tools Mentioned: CyberScan | StemWave | Sigma Instrument | PEMF Tables | Red Light Panels | Hyperbaric Chambers📡 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: 🌎 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 Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems💡 Affiliate Disclosure: Links to products may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Warwick Schiller on Attunement, Connection, and Trust in Horsemanship | EP 24 Equine Assisted World

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Warwick Schiller, renowned horseman and creator of Attuned Horsemanship. Warwick is widely recognized for his transformative approach to horse training, which focuses on attunement, connection, and creating a sense of safety for the horse. Through his Journey On Podcast and extensive teaching, Warwick has helped thousands of riders and trainers understand the deeper layers of horsemanship and how true awareness changes everything.Together, Rupert and Warwick explore the concept of attunement—how being truly present and aware influences both horses and people. They discuss how small, subtle shifts in attention can have profound effects on behavior, trust, and emotional regulation. They also dive into sleep deprivation in horses, the power of following rather than controlling, and what it really means to develop a deep partnership with an equine partner.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Understanding Attunement and Connection (Starts at 02:20)The definition of attunement and why it matters in horsemanship.How attunement applies to both horses and people.Warwick’s journey to understanding deep connection.The Role of Awareness in Building Trust (Starts at 16:10)The difference between “trusting you won’t hurt me” and “trusting your awareness to keep me safe.”How observing small signals from your horse builds trust over time.The science behind attunement and safety in mammals.The Power of Giving Up Control (Starts at 36:27)Why giving up control doesn’t mean losing control.How allowing horses to make choices increases connection.Exercises for developing attunement by matching steps and mirroring behavior.How Sleep Deprivation Affects Horses (Starts at 56:10)Why some horses struggle with sleep deprivation and what it means.How Warwick accidentally helped a sleep-deprived horse by simply listening.The connection between feeling safe and being able to sleep.Integrating Attunement into Riding and Training (Starts at 1:14:22)Why training should be about awareness, not just technique.The role of breath and relaxation in riding.How to ensure your horse is mentally and emotionally present before asking for movement.Practical Tools for Creating Attunement in Everyday Training (Starts at 1:36:27)Simple ways to start building attunement today.The “look where they look” technique and why it’s so powerful.How mirroring movement builds trust and awareness.Memorable Moments from the Episode:The story of the Mustang who overcame bolting through attunement (12:03).How giving a horse space to “say no” transformed its willingness (45:36).The unexpected link between sleep deprivation and emotional regulation in horses (1:04:00).The revelation that attunement and safety go hand in hand (1:42:38).Why trust is built on recognizing and repairing ruptures in connection (1:44:17).Connect with Warwick Schiller:📌 Learn More & Courses: https://warwickschiller.com 🎥 Video Library: https://videos.warwickschiller.com 🎙️ Podcast: Journey On Podcast 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/WarwickSchillerAttunedHorsemanship 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/warwickschillerSee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌐 Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com Follow Us:Long Ride Home📘 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/newtrailslearningsystemsTune in to this inspiring conversation with Warwick Schiller to rethink your approach to horsemanship and connection!

The Art of Living: A Journey Through Art, History, and Freedom with Tom Parsons | Ep 23 Live Free Ride Free

In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with art historian, educator, and filmmaker Tom Parsons. With a career spanning decades, Tom shares his fascinating journey from studying art history to working with youth, fostering creativity, and inspiring a love for aesthetics and self-expression. He discusses the importance of art, personal growth, and the value of risk-taking and play in a fulfilled life.📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:A Lifelong Love for Art History (Starts at [00:03:00]) – Tom recounts his unexpected journey into the world of art, sparked by a single revelatory moment in an art history lecture.The Transformative Power of Art (Starts at [00:10:00]) – How experiencing great art can shape our understanding of ourselves, history, and society.The Role of Risk and Play in Life and Learning (Starts at [00:22:00]) – Why risk-taking, adventure, and breaking a few rules can be essential to personal and intellectual growth.The Importance of Teaching and Mentorship (Starts at [00:40:00]) – Tom’s experiences teaching art history in schools, museums, and abroad, and how education extends beyond the classroom.Spoke: The Fusion of Art, Film, and Education (Starts at [00:55:00]) – How Tom founded Spoke, a competition that empowers students to create films based on art and poetry.Living a Self-Determined Life (Starts at [01:10:00]) – Reflections on how following one's passion and staying open to change leads to a meaningful and fulfilling life.✨ Memorable Moments from the Episode:Tom’s unexpected discovery of art history after attending a lecture while recovering from a hangover (Starts at [00:05:30]).The exhilarating and dangerous experience of climbing the York Minster scaffolding as a student (Starts at [00:20:45]).A gripping story of navigating a tense moment while working at a heroin rehab center in Hong Kong (Starts at [00:30:00]).How teaching art history became a way of giving back and fostering a love of creativity in young people (Starts at [00:50:00]).🚀 Action Steps from Tom:Engage with Art – Visit a museum, explore a gallery, or even just observe a painting with fresh eyes to understand its deeper meaning.Encourage Play and Risk – Find ways to integrate adventure, play, and a bit of healthy rule-breaking into your life for deeper learning and fulfillment.Support Young Artists and Filmmakers – Check out the Spoke competition and other programs that nurture creativity and storytelling.Explore History with an Open Mind – Look at the past not just as history, but as a way to understand and connect with the present.🎬 Programs:Spoke Competition: https://spokecompetition.comArt History Lectures with Tom Parsons: https://tomparsons.org📲 Follow Tom Parsons:Facebook: https://facebook.com/tomparsonsartInstagram: https://instagram.com/tomparsonsartWebsite: https://tomparsons.org📡 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:🌎 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 Learning SystemsWebsite: 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 links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the podcast.

Mary Wanless on Rider Biomechanics, Flow, and Feel | Equine Assisted World EP 23

 In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Mary Wanless, a pioneer in the field of rider biomechanics. For decades, Mary has been at the forefront of reshaping how we understand equestrian training by focusing on the physics and physiology of riding. With a background in physics and a deep curiosity about what truly makes a great rider, Mary has worked to demystify the biomechanics of effective riding. Her methods help riders of all levels develop a clearer understanding of their own bodies and how they interact with their horses.Mary shares her insights into postural restoration, neurology in riding, the importance of feedback loops in instruction, and the crucial role of feel in equestrian training. This episode is packed with wisdom that will transform the way you approach riding and teaching.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Science of Rider Biomechanics (Starts at 02:20)How Mary's background in physics shaped her approach to riding.Why traditional riding instruction often fails to communicate the "how."Understanding postural restoration and its impact on riding: https://www.posturalrestoration.com/Understanding the Neurology of Riding (Starts at 16:10)The significant neurological connection between the hands and the brain—and why this leads riders to overuse their hands.The lack of neurological connection between the pelvis and the brain and how that affects balance and control.How the body’s fascial system (as explored in Anatomy Trains by Thomas Myers) influences rider biomechanics: https://amzn.to/4ibrGgNBridging the Gap Between Language and Experience (Starts at 36:27)How to verbalize the unspoken "feel" of great riding.The importance of the student-teacher feedback loop.The challenges of translating elite rider intuition into teachable concepts.The Core Foundations of Effective Riding (Starts at 56:10)How to align your body for maximum effectiveness.Why bearing down and breathing correctly is fundamental.The importance of allowing the foot to rest rather than pressing.The Role of Flow in Riding (Starts at 1:14:22)Flow state as the key to riding success.The connection between flow and joy.Why elite riders unconsciously access flow—and how you can, too.Training Tools and Resources for Riders (Starts at 1:36:27)The Balloon Breathing Exercise and how it creates quietness in the mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDbm8LxfzaIDeveloping feel through systematic, science-based methods.How groundwork supports better biomechanics under saddle.Memorable Moments from the Episode:The revelation that "feel" can be taught (12:03).Why cutting out the student-teacher feedback loop is detrimental to learning (45:36).The connection between breathing, bearing down, and core stability (1:04:00).A deep dive into why postural restoration matters for every rider (1:42:38).The surprising realization that joy is a subset of flow, and flow is the key to great riding (1:44:17).Connect with Mary Wanless: 📌 Learn More & Courses: https://mary-wanless.com📘 Online Training: https://dressagetraining.tv📕 Books:Ride With Your Mind Essentials https://amzn.to/439QEcc *Ride With Your Mind Clinic https://amzn.to/43hgqvnRider Biomechanics https://amzn.to/3D8j5wuSee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: 🌐 Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.comFollow Us: Long Ride Home📘 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/newtrailslearningsystemsTune in to this enlightening conversation with Mary Wanless to revolutionize your approach to riding and training!