Today on the show I speak to the ever popular Kim Anami. Kim is a holistic sex and relationship coach who also had a freebirth herself. I’ve been following Kim for years and it was no surprise to me when I heard she had had a freebirth. We talk about the intrinsic link between birth and sex and how sex can teach us so much about birth and visa versa. We also chat about porn, masturbation, yoni eggs, junk food sex, connected sex and everything above, below and in between. I hope you enjoy hearing about a topic that is very rarely discussed - but really needs to be! More about Kim: SHE IS A HOLISTIC SEX + RELATIONSHIP COACH, WRITER AND SPEAKER. Her work is a spiritual synthesis of over two decades of Tantra, Taoism, Transpersonal psychology, philosophy and a host of quantum growth-accelerating practices she uses to propel clients into higher stratospheres of connection, intimacy, energy and creativity. Her musings on life and love have graced The Sunday Times (UK), Elle, InStyle, Women’s Health, O magazine, GQ, Playboy and national TV and talk shows from E! Network to CNN and NPR. She divides her time between Bali and Los Angeles and a host of beaches in between, where she not only lives and surfs, but lifts objects with her vagina. Follow her globetrotting, weight-lifting and global-mediasensation vagina and adventures on Instagram with the hashtag: #thingsiliftwithmyvagina; view her sex education videos on YouTube, and listen to her top-rated Orgasmic Enlightenment podcast. Please find her online all-things-intimacy programs at www.kimanami.com.
Today on the show I speak to Shona McFox. Shona was on the podcast last season and discussed her ‘accidental’ freebirth which was a long stop/start labour over 4 days. This year Shona has had another baby and right from the start Shona decided to have an intentional freebirth. The differenceS were remarkable with her having a very quick (and very intense) labour this time around. It reaffirmed for me that fact that when we engage in a system that is not aligned with our birth wishes it can obviously really affect the outcome. Shona also discusses her surprise conception, going into a dark place in her second trimester, the NEED for a village and how her decision to seek medical care twice in her pregnancy only confirmed her intuition. Shona has an incredibly sunny personality who is so beautifully vulnerable in the way she shares her story. I know you’ll love listening to Shona and her lyrical Irish accent! More about Shona: Shóna is a mother of three, holder of sacred space, and bad ass light worker. She runs regular mother circles and mama blessings, connecting likeminded mamas with their tribe. The accidental freebirth of her second daughter, launched her into the world of planning an intentional freebirth for her Son. This wild, Irish pregnancy and birth goddess emanates the wisdom of her ancestors and weaves magic into everything she does.
Today on the show I speak to my beautiful friend and midwife - Norafiah Lever. Norafiah was my second episode in the first season and it was so fun to check in with her and see what has happened in the past 18 months for her. Firstly Norafiah has joined the ranks of reported midwives with 2 reports to APRHA - Australia’s regulatory body for registered midwives. We discuss about one of the cases she was reported for, the muzzling of midwives and how she dealt with it. We also chat about spirituality in pregnancy and birth and what that looks like for her and her clients. We discuss working with the physical body in pregnancy through massage and how she believes it’s helpful for the process. We talk about standing in our integrity and united in these changing times, what the mandates might mean for her registration and how attending pro-choice protests have really been a beautiful experience for both of us. Lastly we pondering about where Norafiah will be this time next year…will she still be registered? Or will she choose FREEDOM?! Norafiah is one of my dearest friends and I know you will love this interview as much as I did! More about Norafiah: Norafiah – still the natural mystic, freedom lover, truth seeker, wildling spirit. Still walking the spiritual path as an Endorsed midwife evolving her practice to facilitate women birthing in power and sovereignty.
Today on the show I invited my beautiful husband, Oliver Wenn to interview me and ask me about my journey to freebirth from my point of view. Oliver told his side of the story last season and now here is mine! We chat about my grandmother freebirthing my Mum, my own birth to my Mum (an induction) and then my homebirth transfer (with midwife) with my son Charlie. Lastly we chat about about my simple freebirth of my daughter Stella and being in my full power. We also delve into patterns of shame around my menarche and needing a deeper connection to myself, my cycle and womanhood. We also talk about how the pill was a cover up for this and what a revelation it was for me to be free of the pill. I talk about how the pill is actually anti-feminist and how retrospectively I felt like I was under a spell while I was on it. Lastly we chat how this current climate is a time a chance to create the world we want to live in and one of the best ways to start is with birth!
Today on the show I speak to Mama of 2 Phoebe Reynolds. Phoebe transitioned to a wild pregnancy at around 24 weeks after realising she would be spending her whole pregnancy fighting her doctor, a space she did care or need to be in. Leaving the system and finding a birth path that aligned completely with her truth was pivotal in healing her birth trauma from her first birth and helped her step fully into her power as a woman. We also talk about how Phoebe naturally and instinctively dealt with her bubba turning blue after she gave birth. We talk about how she had postpartum depression and anxiety with her first and now the postpartum rage she is feeling currently. Phoebe is a genuine, tender soul who’s insights and strength are bound to inspire you. More about Phoebe: Hi, I’m Phoebe! I’m 35 years old, a Mother of two, Wife and avid student of life. We live a very simple, healthy and holistic life following the winter seasons and are excited to share our passion for snowboarding with our girls. I feel like I’ve lived several lifetimes already and have spent most of my adulthood seeking, searching and connecting with my true self. I’ve never followed a linear path in my career or personal life and it makes sense that my pregnancies and births were no different. They are the gifts that keep on giving and I feel as though I have been reborn each time. Being 5 weeks postpartum at time of recording I am still very much in the infancy of this current rebirth and don’t quite know who I am in this new form, so I am finding it hard to summarise myself. But I love experiencing the transformation and am excited to meet this next version of me, whilst growing and learning alongside my children.
Today on the show I speak to musician and Mama of two Sarah Saunders. Sarah planned to have her first child in the birth centre but promptly turned into a hospital transfer with an episiotomy, which then turned into a 3rd degree tear. She then ended up in theatre with an epidural (after a drug free birth) to fix the tear and with the combination of drugs and the trauma of what had just happened Sarah came into motherhood with tears streaming down her face. Skip to her next pregnancy - Sarah knew what she wanted this birth to be different. She knew mainly the thing she needed was a lot of spiritual growth and that she did, with the help of some beautiful friends and her much beloved unicorn midwife Norafiah Lever (who is also a dear friend of mine). She talks about how she did the processing by talking over the phone to her friend Asha, almost daily. She says it was like journalling which helped her reflect and grow and work through some blockages, especially around her mother’s death when she was 19. Her birth - like a lot of freebirths, was completely normal and straightforward - just another day she says. These simple birth stories are becoming more and more common for those women that do the work and then leave birth alone. Sarah is such a bubbly personality with a contagious laugh, you are sure to smile while listening to this one. More about Sarah: Musician, mother, wife, sister, daughter and student of life! Sarah’s dances in a world of piano playing, music education and being Mumma to two beautiful girls among her friends, family and community️ Her professional career and passion as a pianist and accordionist has taken seen her performing in many festivals and shows across WA over the past 15 years, and she specialises in both world music and classical. After studying Argentine Tango music in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a rich decade of journeying into this art form has drawn her across Australia, to the USA and Europe in her creative pursuits. She’s passionate about bringing the cultural milieu of Argentine Tango to the hearts and ears of Perth audiences and is the director, founder and pianist of the Perth Tango Orchestra. Also performing on accordion in local Irish band, The Rogues, Sarah can be seen jigging in local pubs and folk festivals. Music education has always been the ying to the yang of her musical expression and she has spent over 15 years nourishing (and being nourished!) by a beautiful community of young pianists from her home studio and in schools across Perth. The journey deep into the women’s world of pregnancy, birth and beyond has been empowering, enriching and completely infused into her life as a mother, musician and again, student of life.
Today on the show I speak with research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College and author of Free to Learn - Peter Gray. What I love about Peter is as well as an academic he has also walked his talk. When his son was rebelling against the traditional schooling system and called it a prison (which he agrees it is) they explored other options and ended up at Sudbury Valley School which changed the course of Peter’s research and ultimately his life. Peter tells this amazing story of how when his son was 12 years old, he came to his wife and himself with a plan to travel to Europe alone. In the ultimate display of trust of a child (which he says has been lost in our culture), Peter and his wife agreed to the proposal and his son did go to Europe alone year later at age 13. We also cover many topics including the importance of mixed age play, the importance of play in general and moving away from competitiveness to collaboration. I also question how Sudbury which is ultimately based on an unschooling principal goes with government regulations and it seems that America is much more liberal than Australia. We also touch on Tara Westover’s book Educated and the irony of her story and message. Peter is a genuine and well researched scholar who I feel is way ahead of the game of schooling or rather unschooling. Peter’s work is just what we need right now in this changing world where many people are feeling the calling to move into homeschooling but are still a little uncertain or scared. I hope this interview helps parents realise that they and more importantly their children already have everything they need to learn, thrive and educate themselves. Enjoy this insightful conversation and view of what I see as the future of education. Peter Gray Research Professor,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience,Boston College.My bookFree to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, is available in 18 languages.My four new collections of essays can bepurchased now atTipping Points Press.See also myPsychologyToday blogand followme on Facebook
Today on the show I speak will with Birth Cartographer, PhD Student and Freebirthing Mama Catherine Bell. Catherine’s concept of The Birth Map differs from a birth plan in that is allows a map of different options rather than fixed ideas or outcomes in birth. For example for freebirthers it might be an option of what does it look life if I don’t get the pool up in time? Do I land Birth? Or what does it look like if I transfer? The idea is to explore all your options and decisions very throughly so in the moment of birthing you don’t need to enter into your thinking brain at all. We also chat about Catherine’s silent 1st stage and 20 minute freebirth of the 3rd child as well as the freebirth of her 4th child when she was grieving her grandmothers passing. We talk about the power that comes with responsibility and accepting death as part of freebirth or any birth for that matter! Catherine is a delight to speak with and I love the work she is doing in the birth community. Enjoy! More about Catherine: I have been summed up in three words: Birth, Death and Playgrounds. As The Birth Cartographer and author of The Birth Map: boldly going where no birth plan has gone before, I supportpregnant women and their partners to create Birth Maps so that they can navigate the maternity landscape with confidence. I also provideBirth Cartography training to doulas, midwives and obstetricians. My PhD at the university of Canberra will evaluate The Birth Map as a wayto facilitatecommunication and informed decision making in maternity services. The death industry posed similar challenges to the birth industry. To help address this, I have joined the board of Tender Funerals Canberra Region. Tender Funerals is a not-for-profit, community-led approach to funerals. I came to this path after doing Death Walker training with Zenith Virago, who opened my eyes to the parallels between birth and death. Playgrounds fill the space between, be this the metaphorical 'playground' of a life lived in love and kindness, with peace and needs met or the physical playgrounds, I seek to fill the space in between with fairness and connection. This all began with the new playground for my town, Braidwood. This was a process of building connections, communication and fundraising. What resulted was a fabulous mutli-generational space to gather in. With this project, our community honed it's strengths and created a forum for all voices to be heard. Mostly I am a Mother.We have 4 naturally-learning children and live on Feral Farm in Sth East NSW.
Today on the show I speak with Alisha Charles. Alisha is a mama of 1 and lives in NSW, Australia. For a few years prior to falling pregnant ALisha researched freebirth thoroughly and decided that this is what she would do when she fell pregnant. When she eventually did fall pregnant though mainly fear of judgment saw her signing up for the local government funded homebirth program. Alisha prayed that she would get the “right” kind of midwife - and she absolutely did, someone who she didn’t align or click with at all. This blessing of lack of alignment pushed Alisha back onto the path of freebirth and even when she was eventually given a midwife she aligned with - she’d already knew it was time to say goodbye to the system. Alisha had a beautiful birth supported by a birthkeeper and even though the long pushing phase would have been patholigised in the system Alisha knew everything was perfect and indeed it was. I just absolutely love first time Mamas birthing in their power and I hope this story gives inspiration to other first time Mums. Alisha is a pleasure to chat to with her bubbly nature and raw vulnerability - this is one you are sure to enjoy! More about Alisha: I’m an early childhood educator and children’s entertainer. I now nannyfor unvaccinated children who can’t get into childcare because of no jab no play. I grew up in Sydney and moved to Newcastle almost 4 years ago with my husband. We didn’t know anyone, however in that time I’ve made such strong connections with like minded mamas in the area- your vibe attracts your tribe. I love writing poetry and being a mama to my son- mothering how my biology remembers makes it feel like the most natural thing in the world, however lacking the village we all crave makes it harder than it should be. My journey from fearing childbirth to birthing with sovereignty took years of self work and unpacking deep conditioning. Choosing to free birth was the bravest thing I’ve ever done, my son’s soul demanded sovereignty and I’m so glad I tuned in to hear his wisdom.
Today on the show I speak to Avalon Darnesh, who was my first guest from season one. Avalon describes herself as a visionary who is midwifing cultural evolution as we unravel the old and birth the new. The theme for today is standing in your sovereignty in all aspects of your life in these changing times. We talk about how knowing your rights is paramount, how to stay centred and calm and our excitement for this changing world and what is to come. We also chat about how these changes have brought into focus how controlled we are as a society and how breaking free from the system is inevitable if we want our sovereignty. We reflect on how freebirth and other choices such as homeschooling have been an important step in moving outside the system and how it has been easier for us in some ways because of this. I know for many people this time can be scary but it really is the most exciting time to be alive and the opportunity to take your power back into your hands has never been more important or more exhilarating. More about Avalon: Avalon is a multidimensional mama and visionary, midwifing cultural evolution as we unravel the old and birth the new... she guides women into deep alignment with their heart, womb and voice, activating our collective power to create change and weave a more beautiful world for our children.