
Bodily Agency in Pregnancy & Birth: Dr. Nathan Riley – Into Healing S2, Ep.14
01/27/25 • 120 min
Dr. Nathan Riley, is a home birth doctor and holistic gynecologist based in Louisville, Kentucky. Nathan is a passionate advocate for out-of-hospital births and a staunch supporter of the midwifery model of care, which he believes should be the default option for most women in the United States. Disillusioned with the "standard of care" in conventional maternity care, Nathan left the medical-industrial complex to pursue a more holistic approach. In today’s conversation, he shares his journey from traditional Western medicine to advocating for a model that prioritizes informed consent, personal agency, and the natural rhythms of birth and death.
⭐️ In this episode, you’ll learn ⭐️
02:41 Dr. Riley's Journey into Women's Healthcare
04:49 Challenges in Medical Training
08:01 Discovering the Importance of Autonomy in Birth
16:14 Personal Birth Stories and Advocacy
34:28 The Role of Intimacy and Connection in Conception
40:43 The Magic of Conception
42:55 Informed Consent in Pregnancy
52:09 Radical Responsibility in Childbirth
54:16 The Partner's Role in Childbirth
01:04:33 Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Health
01:11:40 Making Birth Less Traumatic
01:19:06 The Importance of Sleep in Maternity Care
01:23:39 The Emotional Toll of Miscarriage
01:26:42 The Importance of Presence in Parenting
01:29:14 Navigating Relationship Changes Post-Childbirth
01:38:43 Modeling Health in Healthcare
01:46:18 The Born Free Method: Empowering Birth Choices
01:53:18 Embracing Death as a Rite of Passage
👉 Follow Nathan:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanrileyobgyn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanrileyobgyn/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLSq0A9bQUXS7H2aObIyO7Q
Website: https://www.belovedholistics.com/
📚 Episode References:
J. Marion Sims: https://w.wiki/3qCN
Aftershock movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16376478/
Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/
Dr. Tracey Vogel: https://www.theempowermentequation.com/about
Born Free Method: https://www.bornfreemethod.com/
✏️ Download Transcript (generated by an AI service):
https://www.intohealing.com/s/Into-Healing-Nathan-Riley-Transcript.docx
👂Listen to the Into Healing Podcast while you're on-the-go!
🎧 Apple podcast: https://apple.co/3wmd4sz
🎧 Spotify: https://rb.gy/ceqmkt
👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/@Into.Healing
👉 Follow Into Healing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intohealing/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@into.healing
Website: https://www.intohealing.com/
👉 Follow Mira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirakaddoura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mira.kaddoura
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirakaddoura/
💌 Sign up for the Healing newsletter
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🖐 Into Healing is produced by Red & Co.
https://redandco.com/
Disclaimers
• As a reminder, Into Healing is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.
• Into Healing recognizes that for people suffering under traumatic forces beyond their control, beginning a healing journey is often not possible. For these neighbors, both near and far, let us make a better world where all who wish to heal have the time, space, and resources they need.
Dr. Nathan Riley, is a home birth doctor and holistic gynecologist based in Louisville, Kentucky. Nathan is a passionate advocate for out-of-hospital births and a staunch supporter of the midwifery model of care, which he believes should be the default option for most women in the United States. Disillusioned with the "standard of care" in conventional maternity care, Nathan left the medical-industrial complex to pursue a more holistic approach. In today’s conversation, he shares his journey from traditional Western medicine to advocating for a model that prioritizes informed consent, personal agency, and the natural rhythms of birth and death.
⭐️ In this episode, you’ll learn ⭐️
02:41 Dr. Riley's Journey into Women's Healthcare
04:49 Challenges in Medical Training
08:01 Discovering the Importance of Autonomy in Birth
16:14 Personal Birth Stories and Advocacy
34:28 The Role of Intimacy and Connection in Conception
40:43 The Magic of Conception
42:55 Informed Consent in Pregnancy
52:09 Radical Responsibility in Childbirth
54:16 The Partner's Role in Childbirth
01:04:33 Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Health
01:11:40 Making Birth Less Traumatic
01:19:06 The Importance of Sleep in Maternity Care
01:23:39 The Emotional Toll of Miscarriage
01:26:42 The Importance of Presence in Parenting
01:29:14 Navigating Relationship Changes Post-Childbirth
01:38:43 Modeling Health in Healthcare
01:46:18 The Born Free Method: Empowering Birth Choices
01:53:18 Embracing Death as a Rite of Passage
👉 Follow Nathan:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanrileyobgyn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanrileyobgyn/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLSq0A9bQUXS7H2aObIyO7Q
Website: https://www.belovedholistics.com/
📚 Episode References:
J. Marion Sims: https://w.wiki/3qCN
Aftershock movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16376478/
Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/
Dr. Tracey Vogel: https://www.theempowermentequation.com/about
Born Free Method: https://www.bornfreemethod.com/
✏️ Download Transcript (generated by an AI service):
https://www.intohealing.com/s/Into-Healing-Nathan-Riley-Transcript.docx
👂Listen to the Into Healing Podcast while you're on-the-go!
🎧 Apple podcast: https://apple.co/3wmd4sz
🎧 Spotify: https://rb.gy/ceqmkt
👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/@Into.Healing
👉 Follow Into Healing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intohealing/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@into.healing
Website: https://www.intohealing.com/
👉 Follow Mira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirakaddoura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mira.kaddoura
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirakaddoura/
💌 Sign up for the Healing newsletter
https://www.intohealing.com/newsletter
🖐 Into Healing is produced by Red & Co.
https://redandco.com/
Disclaimers
• As a reminder, Into Healing is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.
• Into Healing recognizes that for people suffering under traumatic forces beyond their control, beginning a healing journey is often not possible. For these neighbors, both near and far, let us make a better world where all who wish to heal have the time, space, and resources they need.
Previous Episode

Reiki & Sound Bowl Therapy: Javelin Hardy – Into Healing S2, Ep.13
Javelin Hardy is a dedicated social worker with a deep passion for helping others heal. For the past 12 years, she has run her private practice, "Healing from the Heart," where she provides counseling, Reiki, and Vibrational Sound Therapy to African American communities. Javelin shares her personal healing journey from childhood traumas, highlighting how discovering modalities like Reiki, yoga, and writing were crucial elements in her recovery. These practices not only aided her healing but also equipped her with tools to better understand her family's trauma and addiction. In our exploration, Javelin delves into the intricacies of Reiki and Vibrational Sound Therapy, offering insights into their healing powers. She also discusses ancestral healing, cultural perceptions, and the necessity of being open to new healing methods.
⭐️ In this episode, you’ll learn ⭐️
00:00 The Myth of the Strong Black Woman
00:35 Introducing Javelin Hardy
00:59 Javelin's Healing Journey
02:48 Discovering Reiki and Yoga
04:19 The Power of Sound Bowl Therapy
05:02 Understanding Reiki
06:52 The Healing Process
11:34 Cultural Perspectives on Healing
18:59 Ancestral Healing and Practices
22:16 Holistic Practices and Future Plans
28:23 The Power of Frequency and Hydration
29:25 Becoming a Reiki Practitioner
31:33 The Origins and Cultural Roots of Reiki
33:21 The Impact of Mindset on Health
36:50 Aspirations and Generational Healing
40:48 The Healing Power of Writing
41:52 Poetry and Personal Reflections
48:17 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell
👉 Follow Javelin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healing_from_the_heart_llc/
Website: https://www.licensedsoundtherapists.com/javelinhardy.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/javelin.hardy.1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@javelinhardy5281
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javelin-hardy-12758862/
📚 Episode References:
It Takes a Journey to Heal by Javelin Hardy: https://rb.gy/eg0np0
The Little Girl Inside of Me by Javelin Hardy: https://rb.gy/bevdb8
Byron Katie: https://thework.com/loving-what-is-revised-edition/
✏️ Download Transcript (generated by an AI service):
https://www.intohealing.com/s/Into-Healing-Javelin-Hardy-Transcript.docx
👂Listen to the Into Healing Podcast while you're on-the-go!
🎧 Apple podcast: https://apple.co/3wmd4sz
🎧 Spotify: https://rb.gy/ceqmkt
👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/@Into.Healing
👉 Follow Into Healing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intohealing/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@into.healing
Website: https://www.intohealing.com/
👉 Follow Mira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirakaddoura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mira.kaddoura
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirakaddoura/
💌 Sign up for the Healing newsletter
https://www.intohealing.com/newsletter
🖐 Into Healing is produced by Red & Co.
https://redandco.com/
Disclaimers
• As a reminder, Into Healing is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.
• Into Healing recognizes that for people suffering under traumatic forces beyond their control, beginning a healing journey is often not possible. For these neighbors, both near and far, let us make a better world where all who wish to heal have the time, space, and resources they need.
Next Episode

Generational Trauma & Meeting Yourself: India Mayorga – Into Healing S2, Ep.15
Our guest, India Mayorga is a visionary holistic therapist, ancestral healing guide, and transformational mentor dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their authentic selves and unlock their highest potential. India bridges ancient wisdom with modern methodologies to facilitate transformative mind, body, and soul experiences. India shares her powerful journey of healing and rediscovery, shaped by her Costa Rican Indigenous and Northern Irish heritage, her battles with addiction, and her profound connection to nature. Her story exemplifies the strength of ancestral wisdom and self-discovery. We explore the importance of ancestral healing, the role of gratitude in daily life, and her mission to help individuals reach their full potential. India’s dedication to holistic wellness and spiritual growth supports humanity's collective path toward freedom, encouraging all of us to reclaim our spirit.
⭐️ In this episode, you’ll learn ⭐️
00:00 Introduction to Healing
00:29 Meet India Mayorga
01:22 India's Heritage and Early Life
02:11 Struggles and the Path to Healing
06:02 Discovering Ancestral Healing
08:14 The Impact of Ancestral Patterns
10:22 Healing Through Understanding Ancestry
33:56 Secrets and Family Dynamics
41:50 Mother Earth's Call for Healing
43:11 Connecting with Ancestral Wisdom
50:20 The Power of Cacao
58:35 Rituals and Practices for Healing
01:07:14 Movimiento Ancestral: Preserving Indigenous Wisdom
01:13:51 Gratitude: The Core of Indigenous Wisdom
01:17:22 Navigating Modern Challenges with Ancient Wisdom
01:22:26 Final Thoughts and Reflections
👉 Follow India
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiamayorga
Website: https://www.indiamayorga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indiamayacr/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@indiamayorga2706
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/india-mayorga-a0433b165/?originalSubdomain=cr
📚 Episode References:
Movimiento Ancestral: https://movimiento-ancestral.com/
Bribri Tribe: https://w.wiki/CQG8
✏️ Download Transcript (generated by an AI service):
https://www.intohealing.com/s/Into-Healing-India-Mayorga-Transcript.docx
👂Listen to the Into Healing Podcast while you're on-the-go!
🎧 Apple podcast: https://apple.co/3wmd4sz
🎧 Spotify: https://rb.gy/ceqmkt
👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/@Into.Healing
👉 Follow Into Healing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intohealing/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@into.healing
Website: https://www.intohealing.com/
👉 Follow Mira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirakaddoura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mira.kaddoura
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirakaddoura/
💌 Sign up for the Healing newsletter
https://www.intohealing.com/newsletter
🖐 Into Healing is produced by Red & Co.
https://redandco.com/
Disclaimers
• As a reminder, Into Healing is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.
• Into Healing recognizes that for people suffering under traumatic forces beyond their control, beginning a healing journey is often not possible. For these neighbors, both near and far, let us make a better world where all who wish to heal have the time, space, and resources they need.
Into Healing with Mira Kaddoura - Bodily Agency in Pregnancy & Birth: Dr. Nathan Riley – Into Healing S2, Ep.14
Transcript
I think this is actually necessary because if we want to change anything in the world, that seem to be plaguing us in the media and everything.
Because we have a faulty foundation as to how babies are even coming into the world.
Today's Into Healing guest is Dr. Nathan Riley, a holistic gynecologist and home birth doctor, who advocates for women to give birth on their own terms, with informed consent, per
If you like this episode you’ll love
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