Return to Wisdom

Pushed Into Free Birth: What Happens When Choice Runs Out with Fiona O’Shaughnessy

Nov 9, 2026 ·1 hr 3 min Video

What happens to birth choice in Australia when the midwife insurance exemption ends on 31 December 2026? In Episode 16 of The Birth Series, Keshia Tognazzini talks with doula, birth educator and Hygieia Health advocate Fiona O’Shaughnessy about where things stand in the birth world right now. Fiona explains the insurance issue facing second midwives. If second midwives can’t afford to attend births, primary midwives can’t attend home births either. That could leave women with only two options: a highly medicalised hospital birth, or a free birth they may not have chosen. They also talk about how the media covers free birth and the people who support it. They look at the gap between the headlines and what really happens in the community. They talk about birth trauma and the NSW inquiry: more than 4,000 people made submissions, it made 43 recommendations, and Fiona says only one has been implemented. And they ask why systemic problems keep being blamed on women, doulas and birthkeepers. Fiona also shares the story of Hygieia Health. The charity is dedicated to preventing and healing birth trauma. In August 2026 it opened Hygieia House in the Northern Rivers, a community hub for education, birth, postpartum and support for birth workers. Its long-term vision is an independent birthing hospital, “in our lifetime.” In this episode: Why the midwife insurance exemption matters, and why the issue is about choice, not home birth How a lack of options can push women into free birth for the wrong reasons The midwife shortage and the toll of being on call How the media portrays free birth, stillbirth and birth workers The extremes in birth culture, and the large middle ground most families are in Hygieia House: what it offers, who it’s for, and where it’s heading Why separating mothers and babies makes no sense, and what the evidence says “It’s not a people problem, it’s a system problem” How you can get involved: rallies, screenings and events   🗓️ Upcoming events Allo...

Born Still: Grief, Free Birth and the Politics of Blame with Janet Fraser

Nov 2, 2026 ·56 min Video

In 2009, Janet Fraser was one of Australia’s most visible home birth advocates when her daughter was stillborn at home. Her home was declared a crime scene, her baby was taken as evidence, and three years later she faced a coronial inquest that asked whether she was a danger to public health. In episode 14 of The Birth Series, Keshia sits down with Janet — founder of Joyous Birth, law graduate, radical feminist and author of Born Still: A Memoir of Grief — to talk about what happened, and what it reveals about how our culture treats women who step outside the system. They discuss the early-2000s birth forums compared with today’s algorithm-driven birth content, why Janet chose to free birth after two unsupported births with midwives, the media storm and years of harassment that followed her loss, why home birth stillbirths make headlines while hospital losses rarely do, how hospital transfers can become punitive, and Janet’s belief that birth will only improve when women’s lives improve. About Janet Janet Fraser is the founder and National Convenor of Joyous Birth, the Australian home birth network she set up in 2004. She is a mother of three, a law graduate soon to be admitted as a lawyer, a volunteer with the Feminist Legal Clinic, and chairs the monthly Australia/New Zealand webinar for Women’s Declaration International. Get the book Born Still: A Memoir of Grief by Janet Fraser (Spinifex Press, 2020) Paperback: https://www.spinifexpress.com.au/shop/9781925950120 Ebook: https://www.spinifexpress.com.au/ebook-store/p/born-still-a-memoir-of-grief-ebook-pdf You can find Janet on X, Facebook, Patreon and YouTube (Women’s Declaration International)  This episode is supported by 🌿 INBLUEM Skincare Pure, plant-based skincare made in Byron Bay. No toxins, no fillers, no fuss. INBLUEM is offering Return to Wisdom listeners a discount. 👉 Use code RETURNTOWISDOMPODCAST at inbluem.com/returntowisdompodcast 💞 Kim Anami Holistic sex and relationship coaching for rec...

Why Women Are Walking Away From the Hospital with Nikko Kennedy

Oct 26, 2026 ·1 hr 35 min Video

Doula, researcher and quantum biology educator Nikko Kennedy returns to Return to Wisdom for a wide-ranging conversation with Keshia Tognazzini about freebirth: why women choose it, what the data can and can’t tell us, and why the conversation needs far more nuance than it’s getting. Nikko has been a doula since 2011 and has had five babies across nearly every setting: a midwife-booked home birth that became unassisted, a hospital birth at 43 weeks after declining induction, unassisted births, and a postpartum hospital transfer when her newborn had breathing difficulties. She shares the lessons from each, including the uncomfortable ones. In this episode: Why a certified doula who freebirths herself can’t professionally support a client’s freebirth, and the legal grey zone of the “traditional birth companion” How Oregon regulates traditional midwives: waivers, no prescription drugs, and what “scope of practice” really means The observer effect in birth: how a care provider’s notes, supervisors and regulators shape what happens in the room How insurance and payment quietly shape birth decisions, such as declining the glucose test Why freebirth outcomes are so hard to measure: under-reporting, births logged as “precipitous,” and studies comparing apples with oranges Keshia’s take on the Guardian’s Free Birth Society investigation, and what poor-outcome stories add to the picture Fear works in both directions: women who choose hospital out of fear, and women who flee it out of fear Why “your baby could die” no longer persuades many women, and what the academic literature says about bringing them back Transfers: child-protection referrals in the UK, inconsistent hospital responses, and why it’s “easier to escalate care than to de-escalate it” Two breech births with opposite outcomes, and why statistics don’t apply to individuals Health as the foundation for birthing outside the system: light, circadian rhythm, nutrition, immunity, and seeking help early Practice-base...

Obstetric Violence, Breech Skills and Trusting Birth with Jacinta Lagos

Oct 19, 2026 ·55 min Video

In episode 12 of The Birth Series, Keshia Tognazzini sits down with birth photographer, doula and filmmaker Jacinta Lagos to talk about her debut feature documentary, Allowed to Birth: The Journey of a Global Midwife. Jacinta shares what pushed her to pick up a camera: years of witnessing obstetric violence, unnecessary interventions and small, everyday disrespect in hospital birth rooms, set against the deeply respected home births she was also documenting. She talks about why she built the film around global midwife Kristine Lauria, a Doctors Without Borders midwife and breech and twins educator, and why the loss of traditional midwifery skills and trust in birth matters. Keshia and Jacinta also get into free birth: why Jacinta prefers the term unassisted birth, how the film portrays Kristine's own unassisted birth, and her concerns about the Free Birth Society's business model and its demonising of midwives. They finish with how unassisted births are reported in the Australian media, and an invitation to the upcoming Byron Bay screening on Tuesday 17 November. Jacinta Lagos is an Argentinian-born birth photographer, doula and filmmaker based in Wisconsin, USA, and a mother of three. She grew up believing caesarean birth was simply how babies were born, until birth photography showed her both the beauty of physiological birth and the reality of obstetric violence. She began Allowed to Birth in 2024, shooting it largely with a single camera. Allowed to Birth: The Journey of a Global Midwife follows the life and work of midwife and educator Kristine Lauria, and features voices including Dr Melanie Jackson, Dr Stu Fischbein and Kemi Johnson. Watch Allowed to Birth in Byron Bay Allowed to Birth screens at Byron Theatre on Tuesday 17 November 2026, 6:30–8:30pm, followed by a live Q&A panel. Venue: Byron Theatre, Byron Community Centre, 69 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 Panel includes: Sarah Smits, Australian midwife, educator and mentor (Bridging Worlds Midwifer...

Free Birth Society, Media Literacy & Radical Responsibility, with Tahnee Taylor

Oct 12, 2026 ·1 hr 39 min Video

After The Guardian’s investigation into the Free Birth Society, much of the freebirth world went quiet. Keshia didn’t. In this episode she sits down with Tahnee Taylor, mother of three, herbalist, birth educator, co-founder of SuperFeast, and a woman who has had two freebirths, to talk about what the investigation revealed and what it means for women considering birth outside the system. Tahnee doesn’t hold back. She bought the Complete Guide to Freebirth, watched one module, and turned it off. She explains why, and why she tells the women in her own birth course not to freebirth unless they know in their bones it’s right for them. Together they cover censorship inside online birth communities, the danger of one-sided storytelling, the rise of paid “birthkeepers” with little or no experience, the Stacey Warnecke case, postpartum haemorrhage, twins, scans, and the personal reckoning that comes with taking full responsibility for your own birth. They also explore how hard medical encounters can become the very experiences that teach women to trust themselves. This is a nuanced, honest, sometimes fiery conversation between two women who support freebirth and are not afraid to criticise how it is being sold. Find Tahnee Website: https://tahneetaylor.com Instagram: @tahneetaylor (confirm handle) Body of Wisdom Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1749200646 SuperFeast: https://superfeast.com.au   References and resources mentioned The Birth Keepers, The Guardian Investigates (Sirin Kale & Lucy Osborne): https://podnews.net/podcast/i11naj Free Birth Society: Emilee Saldaya & Yolande Norris-Clark (Complete Guide to Freebirth, Radical Birthkeeper School, The Lighthouse membership) Portal, Yolande Norris-Clark (book and course) Stacey Warnecke coronial inquest, Victoria: https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/06/17/hospital-referred-doula-to-police-after-fatal-victoria-freebirth/ Research on why women freebirth (Women’s Agenda / The Conversation): https://womensage...

The Push to Regulate Birth Support, with Sally Cusack

Oct 5, 2026 ·1 hr 18 min Video

Who should be allowed to support a woman in labour? In late 2025, RANZCOG and the Australian College of Midwives called for South Australia's "restricted birth practices" legislation to be adopted nationally. The laws aim to prohibit anyone without the appropriate clinical qualifications from attending or "managing" birth. In this episode, Keshia Tognazzini talks with maternity rights advocate Sally Kusack of Maternity Choices Australia about what this push could mean for doulas, birthkeepers, families, and women who choose to birth outside the system. They discuss how vague legal wording can catch a doula offering emotional support, or even a woman's own mother and aunties. They also cover the recent wave of media coverage on freebirth, the impact of the Birth Trauma Inquiry, and the climate of fear among birth workers. Sally also shares the three things she believes every pregnant woman should understand: her rights, the physiology of birth, and the system she's birthing within. In this episode Media coverage of freebirth and birthkeepers through 2024–2025, including the Guardian series and Sydney Morning Herald reporting The RANZCOG and ACM position statement calling for national "harmonisation" of South Australia's legislation Why the South Australian law was drafted, and how broad terms like "management of birth" can apply to almost anyone The story of a South Australian doula who faced two years of investigation after a hospital birth with no poor outcome When and why the state becomes involved after poor outcomes, including coronial inquests The many reasons women choose to birth outside the system, and the risks they take on Reports of child protection threats used to pressure women into accepting interventions such as induction The Birth Trauma Inquiry, and why the response has been regulation rather than reform How to stay informed and act quickly when consultation windows open Marjorie Tew's research on whether hospital birth is actually safer for hea...

Eight Births, Eight Lessons: Molly Isabel's Journey From Hospital to Free Birth

Sep 21, 2026 ·1 hr 14 min Video

In this episode, host Keshia Tognazzini sits down with Molly Isabel, a mother of eight, to walk through every one of her birth stories — from her first birth at nineteen in a small country hospital, through smooth hospital births, an unexpected caesarean, and two free births at home. It's a rare chance to hear one woman's full arc across nearly two decades of birthing: what worked, what didn't, how fear crept in even after years of confident births, and what it actually took to choose free birth with eyes open. Along the way, they talk about the weight of two words spoken at the wrong moment, being labelled "high risk" for having a large family, the emotional aftermath of an unplanned caesarean, and how media coverage of free birth outcomes so often leaves out the context that matters most. What We Cover Birth #1 (age 19): A straightforward hospital birth with unspoken fear of a nearby hospital's reputation, an internal exam and broken waters performed without clear consent, and a midwife who helped restore Molly's trust in her own instincts Birth #2: A "textbook" hospital birth — smooth, supported, and calm Births #3 and #4: Both born in the caul; a moment where a midwife's uncertain reaction ("what's that?") briefly stalled labour — and what that reveals about how quickly fear can shift a birth Birth #5: A pregnancy marked by a difficult relationship with a new head of midwifery, being labelled "high risk" for being a "grand multi," pressure over amniotic fluid and baby size, a suspected placental abruption, and an unplanned caesarean — plus the emotional aftermath and a craniosacral/Chinese medicine session that helped settle her son The hospital's internal response to the midwife whose care Molly and others complained about Birth #6: Deciding to free birth for the first time after losing access to a home birth midwife due to COVID-related travel and continuity-of-care rules; building confidence through books, community, and backup planning; a fast, calm labou...

Oxytocin, Fear & Undisturbed Birth: The Missing Piece in How We Talk About Physiological Birth

Sep 14, 2026 ·55 min Video

In this episode, host Keshia Tognazzini sits down with Dr Sarah Buckley — GP, researcher, and one of the world's leading voices on the hormonal physiology of birth — to unpack what actually happens in the body during physiological labour, and what gets lost when birth is interrupted, induced, or moved into an operating theatre. They cover the "private, safe and unobserved" foundation every labouring mammal needs, the oxytocin feedback loop that turns early labour into an unstoppable "snowball," the fetus ejection reflex, why pre-labour caesareans leave a measurable hormonal gap for both mother and baby, and practical ways to protect your hormones if a hospital transfer is part of your plan.   About Dr Sarah Buckley Dr Sarah Buckley is trained as a family physician/GP with qualifications in GP-obstetrics. She has been writing and lecturing to childbirth professionals and parents since 1997, and is the author of the internationally best-selling book Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering. Dr Buckley has a special interest in the hormones of physiological labour and birth and the impact of maternity-care interventions. She recently completed her PhD at the University of Queensland on Oxytocin in Childbirth, and is also the author of the 2015 report Hormonal Physiology of Childbirth. She is mother to four adult children and grandmother to one, all born at home. She lives on the semi-rural outskirts of Brisbane, Australia. Find Sarah: Website: sarahbuckley.com Facebook: @DrSarahBuckley Instagram: @DrSarahJBuckley Twitter/X: @Sarahjbuckley   What We Cover What "undisturbed birth" actually means, and why every labouring mammal needs to feel private, safe, and unobserved The evolutionary roots of birth hormones — 65+ million years of placental mammal physiology Why labour can stall the moment a labouring woman moves from home to hospital The "saber-toothed tiger effect": how adrenaline and cortisol counteract oxytocin The Ferguson reflex and the "snowball of labour" — ho...

“Free Birth is a Rational Response” — with Dr Stu Fischbein

Sep 7, 2026 ·1 hr 45 min Video

Part of a series examining free birth and home birth culture in light of a recent media exposé (The Guardian's investigation), this conversation features veteran obstetrician Dr. Stu Fischbein giving his unfiltered take on why free birth exists, why he believes it's here to stay, and where he thinks the modern maternity system has gone wrong. Drawing on nearly 40 years in practice — including 25 years working alongside midwives and a career spent specializing in breech, twin, and VBAC deliveries — Dr. Stu makes the case that many of the "rules" of obstetrics (age 35, 24-hour rupture of membranes, post-dates, standard of care) are arbitrary constructs rather than evidence-based thresholds. The conversation ranges widely: informed consent, financial incentives in hospital billing, breech and twin birth outcomes, ultrasound overuse, newborn resuscitation practices, and why he believes women are turning to free birth not out of recklessness but as a rational response to a system they no longer trust. This Episode Is Supported By INBLUEM Skincare Pure, plant-based skincare made in Byron Bay — no toxins, no fillers, no fuss. In Bloom is offering Return to Wisdom listeners a discount. 👉 Use code RETURNTOWISDOMPODCAST at inbluem.com/returntowisdompodcast Kim Anami Holistic sex and relationship coaching for reconnecting with your body and your partner. https://kimanami.ontraport.com/t?orid=511555&opid=2 to register for courses— using it also supports the podcast. This Episode is brought to you by Superfeast Enjoy 10% off your order with the code RETURNTOWISDOM https://www.superfeast.com.au/     Topics Covered Reactions to The Guardian's free birth investigation — what it got right and where it fell short Why Dr. Stu believes free birth is "here to stay" and will keep growing The financial and liability incentives baked into hospital birth (C-section pay structures, NICU admissions, billing for extra ultrasound features) Informed consent vs. "motivational interview...

"Helping a baby breathe at birth, is a parenting skill" - Reclaiming Common Birth Knowledge with Billie Harrigan

Aug 31, 2026 ·1 hr 2 min Video

"Helping a baby breathe at birth, is a parenting skill" - Reclaiming Common Birth Knowledge with Billie Harrigan In this instalment of the Birth Series, Keshia sits down with Integrative Perinatal Health Consultant and Educator Billie Harrigan to talk about "becoming a more useful human" — the idea that ordinary, common-sense birth skills have been co-opted, medicalised, and locked behind licensing requirements that Billie argues make birth more dangerous, not less. The conversation traces the history of "calling the neighbour" — the once-ordinary practice of a knowledgeable community member attending a birth — back through the criminalisation of midwifery in Canada, and asks what was lost when that knowledge left common hands. From there, Billie and Keshia work through nutrition's role in preventing preeclampsia, cholestasis, and gestational diabetes; the three birth emergencies Billie believes everyone should know how to respond to; and what trauma-informed care actually requires from anyone in a birth space. They also revisit the fallout from the Free Birth Society exposé, and where Billie feels the reporting missed the mark. This episode doesn't land on a tidy verdict either — it's an invitation to think about who currently holds birth knowledge, who's allowed to use it, and what that's costing women.   This Episode Is Supported By INBLUEM Skincare Pure, plant-based skincare made in Byron Bay — no toxins, no fillers, no fuss. In Bloom is offering Return to Wisdom listeners a discount. 👉 Use code RETURNTOWISDOMPODCAST at inbluem.com Kim Anami Holistic sex and relationship coaching for reconnecting with your body and your partner. Link https://kimanami.ontraport.com/t?orid=511555&opid=36 to register for courses— using it also supports the podcast. This Episode is brought to you by Superfeast Enjoy 10% off your order with the code RETURNTOWISDOM https://www.superfeast.com.au/   Key Topics Discussed "Being a more useful human" — reclaiming everyday bir...

A Reunion Chat on Free Birth, Influence & Informed Choice with Chloe Pacey

Aug 24, 2026 ·1 hr 52 min Video

In this instalment of the Birth Series, Keshia sits down with her longtime podcasting partner and friend Chloe Pacey for a wide-ranging, unfiltered reunion conversation. Sparked by the recent Guardian investigation into Free Birth Society and figures like Emily Saldaya and Yolanda Norris-Clark, the pair dig into the messy middle ground between free birth advocacy and mainstream maternity care — where both women land after years of birthing, researching, and living rurally with young families. Topics range from the psychology of influencer culture and echo chambers, to stillbirth statistics and how to interpret them responsibly, to the training (or lack thereof) behind "radical birthkeeper" courses, to proposed legislation restricting who can attend a birth. Along the way: reflections on friendship in different seasons of motherhood, and a fair amount of unfiltered, expletive-laden honesty. This episode doesn't land on a verdict. It's an invitation to sit with the nuance — and to think critically about who you're trusting with information during one of the most vulnerable windows of your life.   This Episode Is Supported By INBLUEM Skincare Pure, plant-based skincare made in Byron Bay — no toxins, no fillers, no fuss. In Bloom is offering Return to Wisdom listeners a discount. 👉 Use code RETURNTOWISDOMPODCAST at inbluem.com Kim Anami Holistic sex and relationship coaching for reconnecting with your body and your partner. Link https://kimanami.ontraport.com/t?orid=511555&opid=36 to register for courses— using it also supports the podcast. This Episode is brought to you by Superfeast Enjoy 10% off your order with the code RETURNTOWISDOM https://www.superfeast.com.au/   Key Topics Discussed Digesting the Guardian's Free Birth Society investigation — how the story reads differently pregnant vs. postpartum, and what felt fair vs. sensationalised in the reporting Radical responsibility — what it really means to opt out of the medical system, and where the acco...

Coming Back to Center: Ayana on Birth Choices

Aug 17, 2026 ·1 hr 13 min Video

Two very different birth experiences — one that unfolded within the medical system, and one that took place at home with a private midwife quietly holding space in the background. Recorded in the wake of recent media scrutiny of free birth and home birth communities, this conversation moves past the headlines and into the lived, textured reality of making birth choices under pressure and hope. Ayana walks through her first birth: a 90-hour labour with a posterior baby, a burnt-out midwife, a transfer to hospital, an epidural, forceps, and a rough recovery — and how she came through it without carrying the trauma many might expect. She then shares the story of her second birth: two miscarriages, a pregnancy she chose not to confirm with a test, and a four-hour home birth in a birth pool that she describes as one of the best experiences of her life — interrupted only by an apple crumble in the oven. Together, Keshia and Ayana talk candidly about the pressure many women feel to free birth, the risk of outsourcing intuition to online forums during labour, the uneven reputation of midwives, and why neither extreme — "the medical system is broken" nor "free birth is the only real birth" — tells the whole story. A Note on This Series This episode is part of an ongoing series examining free birth and birth culture at a moment when public conversation has largely settled on a single narrative. The series doesn't promise definitive conclusions — listeners are invited to weigh the evidence with nuance and a critical eye. Connect with Ayana Instagram: @ayana_ryan_ Sponsors & Discount Codes INBLUEM — plant-based skincare made in Byron Bay. Use code RETURNTOWISDOMPODCAST at inbluem.com   Great Spirit — organic, whole-food-based iron supplements made in Australia. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off at greatspirit.com.au   SuperFeast — medicinal mushrooms and tonic herbs. Use code RETURNTOWISDOM for 10% off at superfeast.com Kim Anami — Fire up your life with Kim Anami cours...

Unassisted Childbirth in Today's Climate — with Laura Shanley

Aug 10, 2026 ·1 hr 18 min Video

In this episode, Keshia sits down with Laura Shanley — author of the foundational book Unassisted Childbirth, first published decades before "free birth" became a widely used term. Laura free birthed all of her children between 1978 and 1987 and has spent over 30 years researching and writing about the connection between fear, thought, and the physiology of labor. The conversation comes at a pivotal moment for the free birth community, following a wave of media scrutiny — including a major investigative podcast series examining poor outcomes linked to Free Birth Society — and growing calls in Australia to legislate who is permitted to attend a birth. Keshia and Laura unpack what's actually being reported, what's being lost in translation, and where personal responsibility, intuition, and informed choice fit into the picture. What We Cover The current media climate around free birth and unassisted birth, and how it compares to decades past Reflections on the Guardian's investigative series into Free Birth Society — what resonated, what felt sensationalized, and where the reporting blurred normal physiological variation with genuine red flags The difference between true unassisted birth and hiring a "birthkeeper" — and why that distinction matters Laura's three primary causes of poor birth outcomes: extreme poverty, unnecessary medical intervention, and a woman's own fear and beliefs The physiology of fear: how the fight-or-flight response redirects blood and oxygen away from the uterus, and why this matters for labor Laura's own birth stories, including catching her breech baby after a guiding dream, and unwinding a nuchal cord solo in her bathroom Why "free birth vs. hospital birth vs. midwife-assisted birth" isn't the real debate — it's about tuning into what actually makes each woman feel safe The bind midwives are placed in between their own clinical judgement and fear of legal consequences Rising cesarean rates in the US and Australia, and what they signal ab...

Free Birth, Responsibility, and the Truth About Risk — with Melanie the Midwife

Aug 3, 2026 ·1 hr 19 min Video

Keshia sits down with Melanie Jackson to work through the confusion left in the wake of The Guardian's exposé on Free Birth Society — what it got right, what it missed, and why neither of them was surprised by it. Drawing on her PhD research and nearly two decades attending home births, Melanie makes a clear distinction between free birth as a personal choice and the newer, more troubling trend of unregulated birth workers stepping into a clinical role they were never trained for. The conversation moves from there into what genuinely informed decision-making looks like, what responsibility actually means once you step outside the maternity care system, and where the middle ground sits between hospital birth and free birth for women chasing a physiological delivery. In This Episode Why neither Keshia nor Melanie was surprised by what came out in The Guardian's reporting, and the "cultish" dynamics both had noticed in the free birth community for years How free birth has shifted from something women arrived at through their own research to something now marketed to them through social media and courses The difference between free birth (a personal choice) and unregulated birth workers overstepping their scope — and why Melanie sees the latter as the real issue Why there's no actual research on free birth outcomes, and why that matters for anyone claiming it's either safe or dangerous What taking on the "red flag waiver" role really requires — full clinical knowledge, an emergency plan, and honest capacity to make decisions mid-labour The unspoken burden placed on partners who may not be prepared to become the emergency responder if something goes wrong Doulas vs. unregulated birth workers vs. midwives — where the boundaries should sit, and why crossing them creates the grey area fuelling most bad outcomes Melanie's own PhD research and why she pushes back on "you can't talk about free birth if you haven't done it" A spectrum of options for a physiological birth shor...

"If You're Looking for Permission, You Shouldn't Do This" — Mary Lou Singleton on Free Birth

Jul 27, 2026 ·1 hr 37 min Video

Keshia sits down with midwife Mary Lou Singleton to untangle the current confusion around free birth — where it comes from, how it's being shaped by social media and influencer culture, and what's been lost as the "Free Birth Society" brand has drifted from storytelling into ideology. Mary Lou draws on 15+ years as a home birth midwife, her own free birth, and a family history shaped by a traumatic hospital birth to offer a grounded, non-dogmatic take on risk, autonomy, and what actually makes a birth safe(r) — whether it happens at home, unassisted, or in hospital.   In This Episode Mary Lou's path into midwifery, inspired by Ina May Gaskin and 15+ years practicing in New Mexico How her son's childhood cancer diagnosis reshaped her understanding of the "midwifery model" of care The story of her mother's traumatic 1969 hospital birth, and how it set Mary Lou on a path toward home birth Mary Lou's own two births — a midwife-assisted home birth and a free birth — and wha each taught her about trusting her own instincts How free birth went from lived experience and storytelling to a commodified, sometimes dogmatic online movement The Guardian podcast investigation into Free Birth Society and the difficulty of getting real statistics on outcomes Mary Lou's "guardrails" for a lower-risk free birth: term, head-down, single baby, labor under 48 hours, clear fluid Higher-risk scenarios — breech and twin births — and the real mortality data behind them Good storytelling vs. fear-mongering: the difference between an empowering birth story and manufactured certainty The "Maggie" story — why needing someone else's permission to free birth is itself a sign you're not ready to What to actually look for in a doula or birthkeeper (Mary Lou's rule of thumb: 50+ births minimum) Why "never" is a dangerous word to bring into a birth Holding risk-awareness and bodily trust at the same time, instead of picking a side The trade-offs baked into every birth choice — hospital, home, midwi...

Rebuilding the Village: Wisdom, Maturity & the Return to Intergenerational Living

Dec 22, 2025 ·1 hr 6 min Video

In this deeply reflective conversation, Keshia is joined by Michelle Chatham and Molly to explore what the “village” truly means in modern life, and why so many women feel unsupported despite being surrounded by community. Together, they unpack the degradation of intergenerational wisdom, the limitations of peer-only communities, and the dangers of outsourcing our knowing to professionals, systems, and now AI. This episode invites listeners to return to embodiment, lived experience, and relational wisdom — and to understand growth, challenge, and maturation as essential parts of becoming a grounded woman, mother, and leader. This is a conversation about becoming, not performing and about creating the village from the inside out.   Music Licence:MB01MVKGTUZTF8Z   Michale Bio   From our first breath to our last, we are creating, utilizing, and maintaining space. This principle has guided michale during her 30 years of experience in integrative health. As a nurse who practices from a holistic and global perspective, she helped create one of the country’s first integrative tongue tie clinics over 10 years ago. Her passion for education led her to lecture and teach nationally and internationally on craniofacial growth and development and anticipatory growth guidance. As an educator, she has created training programs for health care practitioners as well as parents and teaches the energetics of healing. Michale mentors those who desire to do their own work, and are interested in healing the healer. She believes the future of healing is up to those practitioners who are re-creating wisdom systems that are essential to our survival and thriving as humans.   www.michalechatham.com www.thevessel.life www.korimeloy.com/rootedfamilies youtube — https://youtube.com/@michalechatham990?si=2SL-QJAXnA7qwg6n   @michalechatham @theclinicalmystic @truenorthcouples     Molly Bio    Dr. Molly Peralta is a mediator in unleashing the healing power of the body, philant...

When Modern Health Gets It Wrong: Vaccines, Vitalism & the Body’s Intelligence with Cyndi O'Meara

Dec 16, 2025 ·1 hr 33 min Video

In this episode, Keshia sits down with Cyndi O’Meara — leading nutritionist, filmmaker, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and founder of Changing Habits, The Nutrition Academy, The Changing Habits Farm, and co-founder of The Packing Company. With more than 45 years of experience in nutrition and health education, Cyndi has dedicated her life to helping people make informed, empowered choices about their wellbeing. A passionate educator at heart, Cyndi is known for her direct, down-to-earth approach and her commitment to confronting misinformation in the health and food industries. Her work challenges people to question long-held habits, rethink conventional narratives, and make deeply intentional decisions about what they put into their bodies. As she enters 2025, Cyndi’s renewed focus on global education continues through internationally accredited nutrition courses and public events like The Health and Nutrition Summit. In this long-form conversation, Keshia and Cyndi explore some of the most important and often misunderstood topics in modern health: The philosophy of vitalism and the body’s innate intelligence Vaccine safety, immune system development, and chronic illness in children Cyndi’s personal journey raising unvaccinated children How modern health has become increasingly mechanistic, and why that matters What it means for parents to make informed, compassionate decisions in today’s climate This episode is not about telling anyone what to think or do. It is an invitation to ask better questions, understand the historical and scientific context, and look more critically at the information we’re given. Above all, it’s a conversation about trusting the body, reclaiming sovereignty, and empowering parents with tools, knowledge, and confidence as they navigate complex health decisions.   Music Licence: MB01SA6UABCOTZY   Important Disclaimer This conversation is not medical advice.   Resources & Mentions Australian Vaccination Network (AVN) 📄 Rep...

From “Premature Ovarian Failure” to Four Babies: Birth Stories with Angela Jessup

Dec 8, 2025 ·1 hr 31 min Video

In this episode of Return to Wisdom, Keshia sits down with her friend Angela to talk through her journey into motherhood — from being told she was unlikely to conceive, through four very different births, miscarriage, and the process of finding trust in her own body and choices. If you’re pregnant, exploring birth options, processing a past birth, or simply interested in real, unfiltered women’s stories, this conversation offers a lot to reflect on. Note: Angela’s baby Mimi is in the studio with us, so you may hear a few soft baby sounds throughout the episode.   Key Themes in This Episode How the medical system shapes birth through fear and policy The tension between hospital protocols and physiological birth, and how that shows up for mothers. Autonomy and informed decision-making From induction conversations to postpartum checks, Angela speaks about learning to say no, ask questions and understand her options. Energetic boundaries in pregnancy and birth Why the attitudes and nervous systems of people in the room matter — and how this can affect the birth space. Different kinds of birth support Registered midwives, doulas, lay midwives and birthkeepers — and why having the right to choose who is present is so important. Grieving and healing miscarriage The difference between a hospital-managed D&C and a more spacious, supported miscarriage at home. Free birth as a considered choice For Angela and Nick, free birth was not about rejecting care, but about being prepared, educated, and responsible for their own decisions.   About Angela Angela is a kinesiologist who works primarily with women — especially in pregnancy, birth preparation and birth trauma integration.  Coming soon: Energetic Boundaries for Pregnancy & Birth — an online workshop A Self-Clearing Course for women and children 1:1 kinesiology sessions resuming from February 2026 You can find Ange at https://www.angelajessup.com and IG @angelajessup_kinesiology Music Licence:MB01AADDYHXW0FR   T...

Beyond Gentle Parenting: What Actually Works Part 2 with Lael Stone

Nov 24, 2025 ·55 min Video

In this soulful and deeply insightful episode (part 2), Keshia sits down once again with parenting educator, speaker, author, and emotional awareness advocate Lael Stone. With her signature calm wisdom, Lael explores how we, as parents, can navigate our children's emotional worlds without falling into perfectionism or panic about “getting it all right.” Together, they unravel complex layers around trauma, resilience, sibling rivalry, boundaries, attachment styles, and emotional literacy, equipping parents with genuinely usable insight for family life. About Lael Lael is a renowned parenting educator, emotional-awareness expert, childbirth doula, and author of two books, including her latest Own Your Story. She is also the co-creator of Woodland Primary, a play-based and emotionally intelligent school on a Victorian farm. As a mother of three adult children, Lael’s work spans education, parenting, trauma-informed connection, and adult self-healing. You can find Lael at ⁠https://laelstone.com.au/⁠, on IG @laelstone Laels Offerings The Journey - 8 month Mentorship with Lael Stone. This is all about going deeper within to explore your imprints, stories, and blocks, so you can step towards living your best life. It is for professional and personal development. Starts Feb 2026 https://laelstone.com.au/mentorship/ Thriving as Parents and Partners Webinar. This live webinar is happening on 26th November but will be available to purchase after. In it we will guide you from overwhelm to understanding, from conflict to connection, and from going it alone to building your family team. Perfect for couples who are in the thick of parenting and are needing some guidance and support and tools to explore. https://laelstone.com.au/event/thriving-as-parents-and-partners-online-november-2025/ Own Your Story - my new book. Understanding your past to create your future. Looks at our Imprints and beliefs and patterns to help us live a more authentic life. Available all major boo...

Beyond Gentle Parenting: What Actually Works with Lael Stone

Nov 17, 2025 ·58 min Video

In this soulful and deeply insightful episode, Keshia sits down once again with parenting educator, speaker, author, and emotional awareness advocate Lael Stone. With her signature calm wisdom, Lael explores how we, as parents, can navigate our children's emotional worlds without falling into perfectionism or panic about “getting it all right.” Together, they unravel complex layers around trauma, resilience, sibling rivalry, boundaries, attachment styles, and emotional literacy, equipping parents with genuinely usable insight for family life.   About Lael Lael is a renowned parenting educator, emotional-awareness expert, childbirth doula, and author of two books, including her latest Own Your Story. She is also the co-creator of Woodland Primary, a play-based and emotionally intelligent school on a Victorian farm. As a mother of three adult children, Lael’s work spans education, parenting, trauma-informed connection, and adult self-healing. You can find Lael at ⁠https://laelstone.com.au/⁠, on IG @laelstone   Laels Offerings   The Journey - 8 month Mentorship with Lael Stone.  This is all about going deeper within to explore your imprints, stories, and blocks, so you can step towards living your best life. It is for professional and personal development. Starts Feb 2026  https://laelstone.com.au/mentorship/   Thriving as Parents and Partners Webinar.  This live webinar is happening on 26th November but will be available to purchase after. In it we will guide you from overwhelm to understanding, from conflict to connection, and from going it alone to building your family team. Perfect for couples who are in the thick of parenting and are needing some guidance and support and tools to explore.  https://laelstone.com.au/event/thriving-as-parents-and-partners-online-november-2025/   Own Your Story - my new book.  Understanding your past to create your future. Looks at our Imprints and beliefs and patterns to help us live a more authentic life.  Availa...

What If Menopause Is Our Second Spring? with Jane Harwicke Collings

Nov 10, 2025 ·1 hr 28 min Video

In this deeply nourishing episode of Return to Wisdom, Keshia sits down with Jane Hardwicke Collings: midwife, teacher, author, and founder of the School of Shamanic Womancraft, to explore the sacred transitions that define womanhood. Jane shares insights from her decades of experience guiding women through rites of passage, from menarche to menopause, and how reclaiming these cycles reconnects us to nature, our bodies, and each other. Together, they reframe menopause not as a decline, but as a “Sage Essence” a powerful transformation into wisdom and leadership. Jane and Keshia discuss how our birth experiences prepare us for menopause, why the medicalization of the feminine has stripped away power, and how to heal the wounded sisterhood by dismantling the patriarchy within ourselves. The conversation also touches on: The Four Seasons Journey, Jane’s year-long program and her final offering in this form. The parallels between puberty, motherhood, and menopause as transformative rites of passage. The Grandmother Hypothesis: why women live beyond fertility and the vital role of post-menopausal leadership. The spiritual and physiological gifts of menopause, from clarity of mind to stronger immunity and renewed sexual vitality. How aging is a privilege and why it’s time to reject the obsession with youth. This episode is a masterclass in feminine wisdom: grounding ancient truths in a modern world that has forgotten them. Jane Hardwicke Collings 🌐 janehardwickecollings.com 📚 SchoolofShamanicWomancraft.com   Programs & Courses The Four Seasons Journey – Jane’s year-long women’s mystery immersion (final in-person round begins February 2026, applications close November 20). Earth Woman – An online version of The Four Seasons Journey (self-paced or guided). One-Day Workshops (Mullumbimby) Moonsong – Remembering the wisdom of the cycles Shamanic Dimensions of Pregnancy – Exploring birth as a rite of passage Autumn Woman, Harvest Queen – Understanding menop...

The Invisible Ingredient: Uncovering the Truth About Glyphosate with Blair Beattie

Nov 3, 2025 ·1 hr 13 min Video

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Keshia sits down with Blair Beattie, Director of Farmers Footprint Australia, to uncover the hidden reality of glyphosate: the world’s most widely used chemical, and its impact on our food, health, and environment. From the origins of Roundup to the ripple effects it has on our soil, water, and bodies, this episode explores how chemical farming has disconnected us from nature and how regenerative agriculture and conscious food choices can bring us back into harmony with the planet. A bit about The Invisible Ingredient: The Invisible Ingredient is a richly human conversation that examines the world’s most widely used pesticide and traces how glyphosate became woven through modern food and land care. From science to storytelling, from activism to alternatives, this is where truth meets transformation. Guided by host Blair Beattie of Farmer’s Footprint, the series brings together widely respected voices including farmers, scientists, lawyers, journalists, doctors, and youth, whose work is trusted by communities and grounded in evidence. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, with sources and further learning at theinvisibleingredient.org.   This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit   Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au     This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and b...

Sex Work, ‘Gender Identity,’ and Free Speech: A Conversation with Meghan Murphy

Oct 27, 2025 ·1 hr 20 min Video

In episode 14 of Return to Wisdom Podcast, Meghan Murphy discusses her experiences with cancel culture, the evolution of feminism, and the complexities surrounding gender identity and women's rights. The dialogue explores the impact of the Me Too movement, the realities of sex work, and the importance of free speech in modern society. Meghan emphasizes the need for critical thinking and respectful discourse in addressing contentious issues, while reflecting on her journey as a controversial figure in feminist discussions.   You can find Meghan at: https://www.meghanmurphy.ca/ https://open.spotify.com/show/10eu7VIEAHcSAslhmtdsmQ https://www.youtube.com/@meghanemilymurphy https://x.com/MeghanEMurphy https://www.instagram.com/meghanemilymurphy/   This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit   Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au     This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

Can We Hold Nuance in the Feminine Conversation? With A Woman Refined: Lauren Renee

Oct 20, 2025 ·1 hr 30 min Video

journey of questioning vaccine safety, and the impact of social media on public health discourse. Lauren shares her personal health experiences that led her to question vaccines and delve into natural health practices. The conversation also touches on the complexities of indigenous wisdom and the role of propaganda in shaping public perceptions. Ultimately, they emphasise the need for informed decision-making and personal responsibility in health choices. You can find Lauren at: @a_woman_refined on IG @awomanrefined on substack and all podcast streaming platforms: A Woman Refined This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit   Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au     This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

Is Modern Light Exposure Making Us Infertile? with Kiera Lea

Oct 13, 2025 ·1 hr 15 min Video

In episode 12 of Return to Wisdom, Keshia welcomes Kiera Lea back to unpack how light, environment, stress and mindset influence women’s health and fertility. Together they explore circadian/quantum biology, melatonin’s role in pregnancy and labor, red vs blue light in IVF settings, the social drivers behind falling birth rates, and how chronic stress and insulin resistance feed conditions like PCOS. They finish with practical, low-cost habits to restore rhythms and a note on Kiera Lea’s Quantum Health Academy. Where to find Kiera Lea: https://kieraleawellness.com.au/kiera-lea/ Substack: The Health Issue Instagram/X: @kieraleawellness Podcast: The Health Standard Program: Quantum Health Academy (for clinicians/health pros)   This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au   This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence. 👉 www.podbyron.com   Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

From Surrogacy to Sperm Banks: Children’s Rights in Third-Party Reproduction with Kallie Fell

Sep 22, 2025 ·1 hr 11 min Video

In episode 11 of Return to Wisdom, Keshia and Kallie Fell dive into the ethical complexities of modern reproductive technologies. They unpack the realities of donor conception, examining the ethical questions around egg and sperm donation, as well as the potential risks tied to these practices. The conversation also explores how AI is shaping reproductive medicine, the societal consequences of commercializing reproduction, and why intimacy in conception still matters. Together, they highlight the psychological impact on donor-conceived individuals and raise powerful questions about the future of reproductive health and bioethics.   You can find Kallie on X @kal_fell and YouTube https://youtube.com/@cbc-networkorg?si=J9iKjoG935cDVIu4  CBC can be found on IG @thecbcnetwork   This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

The Cost of Chasing Youth: A Case for Growing Up with Kimberly Ann Johnson

Sep 15, 2025 ·1 hr 28 min Video

In Episode 10 of Return to Wisdom, Keshia sits down with Kimberly Ann Johnson; author, somatic guide, and women’s health advocate, to unpack aging, perimenopause, motherhood, and the cultural scripts that shape how women see their bodies. Kimberly challenges the youth-obsessed narrative and the pathologizing of every hormonal fluctuation, arguing for a season-based, community-rooted approach to women’s health. They explore the “mother rage” discourse, why village support (not quick pharmaceutical fixes) is the real antidote, and how menopause can usher in steadier hormones, clearer boundaries, and elder responsibility. The conversation ranges from repairing family ties and rebuilding intergenerational care, to limits in parenting, and the social costs of Botox/fillers on expression and connection. Expect a forthright, compassionate reframing of aging, from something to resist into something to live into.   You can find Kimberly: https://kimberlyannjohnson.com and @Kimberly.ann.johnson on IGKimberly’s books: The Fourth Trimester and Call of the Wild Trainings/workshops: “Mothering the Bones,” Jaguar work.   This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence. 👉 www.podbyron.com   Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

Protector, Provider, Partner: Jaguar Hart Challenges the Culture War with Responsibility Over Rhetoric

Sep 8, 2025 ·1 hr 27 min Video

In episode 9 of Return to Wisdom, Keshia speaks with Jaguar Hart. Jaguar has dedicated his life to education men and women on the importance of healthy masculinity and the importance of a mans role in society. In this conversation, Jag critiques figures like Andrew Tate, emphasizing the need for healthy masculine leadership and the importance of traditional roles in parenting. This discussion also touches on the impact of tear down culture, the devouring mother archetype, and the significance of balance between masculine and feminine roles. Throughout the conversation, the importance of men's mental health and the need for supportive relationships are highlighted, culminating in a call for a more harmonious society where both men and women can thrive. You can find Jaguar at @purejaguar on IG and  ⁨@pure_jaguar⁩  on YT   This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!  

Forever Chemicals, Forever Consequences: Choosing Cookware That Protects Generations with Mark Henry

Sep 1, 2025 ·54 min Video

As mothers, we’re always looking for the healthiest choices for our families — but did you know the cookware you use could be just as important as the food you put on the table?   In this conversation, Keshia Tognazzini interviews Mark Henry, founder of Solid Teknics, about the importance of sustainable cookware and the dangers of non-stick products. Together they discuss the impact of PFAS chemicals, the shift towards healthier living, and the significance of durable products. Mark emphasizes the need for future generations to connect with the land and make informed choices about their cookware and lifestyle. Lastly, Mark touches on the role of AI in sustainability and the importance of community in business.   You can find Mark at https://www.solidteknics.com/ and on socials at @solidteknics   Return Show Notes Script     This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit   Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au     This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

Why Men Are the Portal to Receiving, Abundance & Manifestation with Hil and Ber

Aug 25, 2025 ·1 hr 19 min Video

This week on Return to Wisdom Keshia interviews Hilary and Amber from Twin Transmissions. They explore the powerful intersection of manifestation, relationships, and self-care and why so many women feel unseen in love, and how understanding men through evolutionary psychology can transform communication, intimacy, and respect in romantic partnerships. They also discuss the vital role of self-care and postpartum recovery, the importance of support during motherhood, and how learning to receive help and compliments can open the door to greater growth and connection. Alongside this, Hil and Ben touch on the illusion of money, cultivating an abundance mindset, and the ways mindset shifts impact manifestation. The conversation highlights the influence of feminine energy and how embracing gender roles with awareness can strengthen relationships. Plus, we explore the practice of color analysis for manifestation, showing how aligning with your unique frequency can create more success, fulfillment, and authentic expression. If you’re ready to deepen your relationships, expand your manifestation practice, and step into your feminine power, this episode is for you.   This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit   Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au     This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you...

Designer Babies, Artificial Wombs, and the Future of Fertility with Dr Aaron Kheriaty

Aug 18, 2025 ·1 hr 28 min Video

Episode 6 of Return to Wisdom sees Keshia speak with Dr Aaron Kheriaty. Dr. Aaron Kheriaty discusses the ethical implications of reproductive technologies, including IVF and genetic testing. He emphasizes the intersection of personal experiences and ethical considerations, particularly in the context of assisted reproductive technologies. This discussion also explores the future of reproductive technologies, such as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), and the complexities surrounding post-mortem sperm retrieval. Dr. Kheriaty highlights the importance of recognizing the dignity of every child and the need for society to critically evaluate the use of these technologies in light of ethical concerns and the implications for human identity.   You can get Dr Kheriaty's new book; Making The Cut: How to Heal Modern Medicine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510783520 and Dr Kheriaty's report on Restorative Reproductive Medicine (I contributed the chapter on IVG and Preimplanataion Genetic Testing): https://eppc.org/publication/treating-infertility-the-new-frontier-of-reproductive-medicine/#26-preimplantation-genetic-testing-and-in-vitro-gametogenesis This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats.Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au   This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence. 👉 www.podbyron.com   Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

Mental Fragility and Motherhood: Exploring the Importance of Mental Fitness with Nadia Sophia

Aug 11, 2025 ·59 min Video

This week on Return to Wisdom, Keshia invites Nadia Sophia on to explore the complexities of motherhood, mental strength, and the importance of community support. They discuss the shift from traditional mental health perspectives to a focus on mental fitness, emphasizing the need for self-trust and resilience in parenting. The dialogue highlights the undervaluation of motherhood in society and offers practical strategies for mothers to navigate their roles effectively while maintaining balance and gratitude in their lives. You can find Nadia: Www.nadiasophiacoaching.com https://go.nadiasophiacoaching.com/the-revolution https://www.instagram.com/nadia.sophia.coaching/profilecard/?igsh=dmZvdjk2Ymx6eWZi @nadia.sophia.coaching This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit   Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au     This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

Are We Meant to Parent Alone? A Return to Ancient Parenting with Dr. Paul Turke

Aug 4, 2025 ·1 hr 0 min Video

In this episode of Return to Wisdom, Dr. Paul Turke discusses the evolutionary aspects of parenting, emphasising the importance of alloparenting and kinship networks in child-rearing. He highlights the significance of breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and the challenges modern parents face due to mobility and societal pressures. Dr Turke also touches on developmental delays, sensory issues, and the need for a supportive community in raising children. Dr. Turke advocates for a return to traditional practices that align with our biological heritage to enhance health and happiness in parenting.   You can find Dr Turke at https://paulturke.com/ and his book, Bringing up Baby: An Evolutionary View of Paediatrics is available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSLPNTSM   This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats.Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au   This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence. 👉 www.podbyron.com   Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

Can Birth Be Pain Free? With Tahnee Taylor

Jul 28, 2025 ·1 hr 36 min Video

In todays episode on Return to Wisdom, Keshia sits down with Tahnee Taylor. Tahnee, is a teacher, herbalist, a bodyworker, and a mother to three children, all born at home - two in the sacred space of free birth. Tahnee takes the floor on the topic of pain free birth, and how she found it possible to create the circumstances in which to experience it. In this discussion you will find out what programming needs to be re-written and the first steps that you can take towards experiencing a blissful birth, far beyond the cultural narrative of suffering and pain.   In true Tahnee style, this is a multifaceted conversation covering a breadth of topics under the birth umbrella, including relationship dynamics, work load, and other contributing factors. Enjoy.   You can find Tahnee at http://tahneetaylor.com/ and on instagram @tahneeyoga and her course BIRTH MAGIC at https://my.marvelouspages.com/tahnee-yoga/birth-magic   This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit   Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au     This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

Talking Gender Roles and Online Controversy with Chloe Pacey

Jul 28, 2025 ·54 min Video

Today on Return to Wisdom, I invite partner in crime, Chloe Pacey, on the show as we say a sad goodbye to The Road to Wisdom while looking forward to continuing the conversation here. Chloe shares why she can no longer continue on on The Road to Wisdom, her thoughts on the online blow up around traditional gender roles and the biological basis of adopting these. We also re address the roots of feminism, and how these concepts tend to clash with raising thriving children.   Enjoy this fun and dynamic episode!   This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats.Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence. 👉 www.podbyron.com   Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!

Your Return to Wisdom

Jul 28, 2025 ·9 min Video

Welcome to this new chapter with your host; Keshia Tognazzini.   This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit   Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats. Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au     This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!    

Trailer: Return to Wisdom

Jul 28, 2025 ·1 min Video