Pathways to Family Wellness

In this episode Lauren McClain and Dr. Brendan Riordan will discuss Vince Gowman's article, "Evolving to Early Childhood Attachment and Outdoor Play," appearing in issue 71 of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine. Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Lauren McClain and Dr. Brendan Riordan will discuss Lauren's article, "Being There in Labor," appearing in issue 70 of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine. Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe The Better Birth Blog https://betterbirthblog.org

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Meredith Ashton's article, "Men and Menstruation," appearing in issue 70 of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine. Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Ginny Yurich's article, "Sunlight: How to Profoundly Increase Mood, Health, and Nighttime Sleep," appearing in issue 70 of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine. Physiology of the Pineal Gland and Melatonin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK550972/ Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Dr. J.G. Moellendorf reprinted article "Breaking Through ADHD with Chiropractic Care," as well as Dr. Yannick Pauli's reprinted article "Injury and ADHD," both appearing in issue 69 of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine. Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Dr. John Minardi's reprinted article in issue 69 of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine titled "Understanding the Power of Chiropractic" http://www.drjohnminardi.com Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Dr. Bruce Lipton's reprinted article in issue 69 of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine titled "Chiropractic Philosophy and The New Science: An Emerging Unity." https://www.brucelipton.com Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss The Pathways Team's reprinted article in issue 69 of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine titled "Can Chiropractors Turn Breech Babies?" Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Dr. Larry Webster's reprinted article in issue 69 of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine titled "Chiropractic Today for a Better World Tomorrow." Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Jacob Devaney's article in issue 68 of the Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine titled "Regenerative Lifestyles: Collaborating with Gaia. Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Lauren McClain and Dr. Brendan Riordan will discuss Dr. Sarah Buckley's article in issue 68 of the Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine titled "Healing Birth, Healing the Earth." Dr. Sarah Buckley's Report on The Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing: https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/maternity/hormonal-physiology-of-childbearing.html Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Lauren McClain and Dr. Brendan Riordan will discuss Jacob Devaney's article in issue 68 of Pathways magazine titled "Is Your Birth Experience Still Affecting You?" Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Lauren McClain and Dr. Brendan Riordan will discuss Elizabeth Davis and Debra Pascali-Bonaro's article in issue 68 of Pathways magazine titled "Intuition and Birth." Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will share their thoughts on the ARRIVE study, which is the study that sought to investigate the results of inducing at 39 weeks vs. standard managed care. The study and some great links can be found below: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1800566 https://evidencebasedbirth.com/arrive/ https://www.lamaze.org/Connecting-the-Dots/parsing-the-arrive-trial-should-first-time-parents-be-routinely-induced-at-39-weeks

In this episode Lauren McClain and Dr. Brendan Riordan will discuss Maria Silver Pyanov's article in the recent edition of Pathways magazine titled "9 Changes We Must Make to Increase Vaginal Birth Rates" Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Amy Michaelson's article in the recent edition of Pathways magazine titled "Optimal Fetal Positioning." Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe Cool Birth Graphics: https://betterbirthblog.org/shop/

In this episode, Lauren McClain and Dr. Brendan Riordan will take a side-trek away from the magazine to discuss polyvagal theory and its implications in understand the importance of social bonding and the states of our nervous system.

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Molly Steins' article in the recent edition of Pathways magazine titled "Internal Oasis." Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode we will discuss Dr. Brendan Riordan's article in Pathways titled, "Adjusting into Ease." This article highlights one particular success story with a newborn receiving chiropractic care to help with difficulty nursing. We will also take an overview of pediatric chiropractic in general and many of the benefits kids and parents can expect. More information and Pathways article can be found at: http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Naomi Aldort's article in the recent edition of Pathways magazine titled "Off the Books, Learning to Read Later in Childhood has Advantages."

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Jean Miller's article in the recent edition of Pathways magazine titled "Busting Homeschool Myths." Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss Lauren's article in the recent edition of Pathways magazine titled "Real Work for Real Kids." Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Lauren McClain and Dr. Brendan Riordan will discuss the Pathways articles "Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School" by Matthew Gioia as well as "Life is an Adventure" by Zoe Greenhouse. Digital and print issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/content/subscribe

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss the Pathways article "Don't Leash the Puppy" by Peter Gray, Ph.D. The article in its entirety can be found here: http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Parenting/dont-leash-the-puppy.html Issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org

In this episode Lauren McClain and Dr. Brendan Riordan will discuss the Pathways article "Sinking into Truth, Resting in the Body" by Vince Gowmon. The article in its entirety can be found here: http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Wellness-Lifestyle/sinking-into-truth-resting-in-the-body.html Issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org

In this episode Dr. Brendan Riordan and Lauren McClain will discuss the Pathways article "Conscious Parenting in an Unconscious Culture" by Beth Berry. The article in its entirety can be found here: http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Parenting/conscious-parenting-in-an-unconscious-culture.html Issues of the magazine can be ordered here: https://store.pathwaystofamilywellness.org

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Pam Jarboe about how to build emotional courage. Dr. Pam Jarboe practices chiropractic in Acton MA. Her career blossomed when she worked as an assistant for a chiropractor in 1986. She soon traveled into Hale House in Harlem, NY with her chiropractor. He began adjusting children who were drug addicted. Some of these poor children, born with AIDS, were abandoned as babies. They suffered greatly with many health issues as well as emotional problems. As they received adjustments, Pam witnessed them transform. They suddenly had less disease, less trauma. They transitioned from hiding under the beds, being terrified to be touched to jumping into her arms. Inspired by the many changes she witnessed in this practice, especially in children, she decided to attend Life Chiropractic University. She graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1995.

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Drew Rubin about the connection the brain plays in certain issues such as Autism, PANDAS, Lyme, and more. Drew Rubin, B.S., D.C., CCSP, DACCP, is a chiropractor, adjunct faculty at Life University College of Chiropractic, and an author, researcher, and speaker. He has been in private practice since 1989 and specializes in pediatrics, special needs, pregnancy, and families. He has published research in peer-reviewed journals, and has presented at conferences around the country on topics such as autism, primitive reflexes and Polyvagal Theory (see theadjustment.com for links to his research). He has authored the following books: The Adjustment , The Acceptance, and It's a Small World. He also produces Dr. Drew Rubin's Chirocast, a podcast available on iTunes. He speaks around the world for the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), and lives in Georgia with his wife, Lisa, and son, Palmer.

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Pamela Stone about the importance of chiropractic during pregnancy. Dr. Pamela Stone owns a family wellness salutogenic-based chiropractic practice in Kennesaw, GA and has been certified in the Webster Technique since 1999. She has been an avid ICPA member since she was a student at Life University (March 2000 graduate), and has her Diplomate in pediatric and prenatal care through the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics (DACCP certified). Dr. Stone is part of the extension faculty of Life University, hosting 4-6 student interns per year. She is also past-president of the Georgia Birth Network, is a board member of the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice, and is a member of the American Pregnancy Association, Holistic Pediatric Association, the Atlanta chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network, and is a peer reviewer for Chiropractic research journals. Over the years, Dr. Stone has developed relationships with local doulas, midwives, OB's, pediatricians and more to create a referral-based practice. She has been hosting Pathways Connect meetings within her community for the past 10 years. She has been published numerous times in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic, the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Pathway's magazine, Today's Chiropractic magazine, Chicken Soup for The Chiropractic Soul, as well as several local magazines & newspapers. She is also a speaker at local schools and community organizations. In her spare time, Dr. Stone is an avid runner and triathlete. She credits regular chiropractic care for allowing her to be healthy and injury-free.

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Stephen Marini about natural immunity and the importance of staying grounded during uncertain circumstances. Stephen Marini, PhD, DC, is a chiropractor and international lecturer, and serves on the boards of the ICPA, HPA and Intergrative Health Policy Consortium (IHPC). Dr. Marini was educated in basic science and medicine at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia where he received a M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology in 1976. Doctoral studies followed at the University of Pennsylvania and Pacific Western University where he conducted dissertation research on avian tumor viruses accomplished at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia. He received his Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1989. Dr. Marini received vitalistic training and professional development at the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic where he received his D.C. in 1988. He received the Diplomate in Chiropractic Pediatrics from the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice in 2007. He served as professor of Microbiology at the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic from 1980 until 1995, and as Academic Dean from 1990-1993. https://www.marinichiroanded.com

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Nima Rahmany about healing inter-generational trauma in the family dynamic. Dr. Nima Rahmany, DC, CCWP is both a Chiropractor and an educator, specializing in helping individuals and professionals get to the ROOT CAUSE of their physical and emotional challenges, from stressed, depressed, and anxious to living Powerfully Aligned and on Purpose. After building a successful Chiropractic practice in Maple Ridge, BC, Dr. Nima sold his clinic in June 2016 to pursue his passion of teaching and coaching professionals who are stressed, depressed, and anxious to transform and have their best year ever— in both a private and corporate setting. Dr. Nima has integrated all the mind-body tools in his quest for healing stress-related disorders into one, simple to follow method called "The Overview Method", which is " the adjustment above atlas" that he teaches one-on-one and in groups all over the world in his engaging and "edutaining" lectures filled with inspired authenticity and "edutainment"

In this episode we'll be speaking with Rebecca Schrag Herschberg, PhD about the concept that it take two to tantrum and we'll also be going over her new book, The Tantrum Survival Guide. Rebecca Schrag Hershberg, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and founder of Little House Calls Psychological Services, which specializes in helping kids and parents confronting a range of common early childhood challenges. Dr. Hershberg has held leadership positions at a national nonprofit organization serving children and a hospital-based infant and toddler preventive mental health program. She has taught in the Department of Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and has presented numerous seminars and workshops for parents. She lives in the New York City area with her husband and two young sons.

On this episode we'll be speaking with Dr Wendy Anne McCarty, a pioneer in the leading-edge field of prenatal and perinatal psychology and the expanded multidimensional understandings of babies. In this fascinating interview Dr. McCarty shares her own journey of evolution from a Newtonian trained delivery nurse, childbirth educator, parent-infant specialist and family psychotherapist through her spiritual awakening in an experience with a 3-month old baby into her 30-year deep-dive exploration of Multidimensional baby consciousness, multidimensional parenting, and innovative approaches to repair, nurture and expand human potential and optimal relationships from the beginning of life. The take-home message: Babies are calling us to come into their multidimensional world and connect from pre-conception forward. Prenatal parenting is primetime for the magic of possibilities! https://12guidingprinciples-ppn.com/ http://wondrousbeginnings.com/

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Susan Pollak about Self-Compassion for Parents. Dr. Susan Pollak is a psychologist in private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the mother of two grown children. She is the author of the new book, "Self-Compassion for Parents: Nurture Your Child by Caring for Yourself." She is a longtime student of meditation and yoga who has been integrating the practices of meditation into psychotherapy since the 1980s. Dr. Pollak is co-founder and senior teacher at the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance and president of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. https://www.drsusanpollak.com/

In this episode we'll be speaking with Jackie Kelleher about obstacles families experience to breastfeeding and how to overcome those obstacles. Jackie Kelleher has supported families as a community leader, birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and lactation professional for over 20 years. She is the author of "Nurturing the Family," the second edition of which is now available. She draws upon lessons learned from the thousands of families she's helped and doulas she's trained. Her focus on boundaries, self-worth, and advocacy are also few by her work as a self-defense and martial arts instructor. Jackie's Website, if you want to learn more or reach out: https://www.nurturingthedoula.com/ Videos on Breastfeeding: This is one of an amazing series on breastfeeding. All of these videos are free, up to date information, and beautiful and clear visual images. Pay no mind to Youtube's "This may be inappropriate" message. Our society's lack of comfort around breastfeeding is a major contributing factor in breastfeeding challenges. We need to see it to become familiar. Watch and learn! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMcgJR8ESRc&index=5&list=WL Here are a few from Canadian expert Jack Newman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56YzjsZr4hQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObT5MELLqGA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO5ZDKynaD0 Breastmilk hand expression, as an alternative to the pump:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=613yqVEtu3I Paced Bottle Feeding: For babies who are aspiring nursers but not there yet, or a receiving pumped milk in a bottle. Really, the ideal way for any baby who is being fed with a bottle to receive their feeds.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuZXD1hIW8Q

Today we'll be speaking with Dr. Jay Komarek about what he's learned through over 40 years of working with and adjusting animals. Dr. Jay Komarek is a chiropractor who has been adjusting animals since 1977. He has worked with veterinarians around the country providing care for equine, canine and feline clients. He has provided care for thousands of animals and has been featured on the "Today Show", on the radio, and in numerous magazine articles. In addition to delivering care to his clients, he teaches animal adjusting at chiropractic colleges around the country and speaks to groups on the natural health care of animals. He is a founding member of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Liz Anderson-Peacock about the 3 main reasons parents take their kids to chiropractors. Liz Anderson-Peacock is a fellow of the ICA, received Chiropractor of the Year Award from Canadian Chiropractic magazine in 1998. The Ontario Chiropractic Association gave her the "Heart in Hand" award in 2005. She earned her pediatric diplomate in the ICA's first graduating class in 1996. She maintains a boutique child referral only practice. In 2010 she compiled a book "Pearls of Wisdom: Pure and Powerful to inspire Women Chiropractors, as well as other products. In 2017 she had a right below knee amputation which has led her into new areas. Her maxim continues to be to "Engage and Inspire."

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Chris LoRang about what it means to build your baby from the ground up. Specifically, we'll be speaking about some of the ways we can help and not inhibit our little ones' development. Dr. Chris LoRang is a rehabilitative chiropractic physician, health lecturer, and wellness clinic director with a passion for uncovering the root cause of people's symptoms. He believes that every person deserves the chance to pursue their best lives through movement, whole food nutrition, and holistic living strategies. His wife, Abbie Sawyer, is his co-founder for Building Your Baby From The Ground Up. https://buildingyourbaby.com/

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Kacie Flegal about the importance of pediatric chiropractic care. Specifically, we'll be speaking about why babies should be checked by a chiropractor after birth, about how a baby is adjusted, and about how often children should be checked. Dr. Kacie Flegal is a family chiropractor certified in prenatal care and pediatrics through the ICPA. Dr. Kacie has been in practice since 2009 and runs her practice based on the philosophy that we all have the innate ability to heal and be healthy when we are given the proper tools to do so. Her approach to chiropractic is gentle and holistic and honors each individual she serves. She is currently living and practicing in Ashland, Oregon and is a wife and mother of two little boys. Visit her at elementsofbeing.com

In this episode we will be speaking with Lindsay Mumma, DC, about How to Stop Interfering With Your Child's Development in order to maximize their growth and about the slow is fast approach to development. Lindsay Mumma, DC, is the COO of Birthfit and runs Birthfit NC. She is also the owner of Triangle Chiropractic and Rehab, where she primarily sees prenatal and postpartum patients. She's a wife and mother of two vivacious boys and is the author of the Trimester books series. http://www.trianglecrc.com/blog/stop-interfering-childs-development/ https://birthfit.com/ https://www.familypaws.com/ https://www.rie.org/

In this episode we'll be speaking with Midwife Nicole Pegher about important questions to ask a midwife during an interview. The list of questions can be found here: https://growingslower.com/47-questions-i-should-have-asked-my/ Nicole Cisneros Pegher is a Certified Professional Midwife and a graduate of Birthwise Midwifery School in Bridgton, Maine, an MEAS Institution. Nicole established South Shore Homebirth & Women's Wellness in 2015, and has since served scores of families across the South Shore and Cape Cod region. Prior to opening her practice, Nicole spent the summer of 2014 in the Philippines, serving as a midwife in a high-risk, high-volume birth center, and honing her ability to manage complications as they arise in out-of-hospital settings. She has also worked in the Amish community of Pennsylvania, attending birth by gaslight. "If there is one thing that these experiences have taught me," Nicole says, "it's that birth is a universal language. No matter a women's race, religion, sexual orientation or cultural background, women deserve to be respected and supported in birth. It is my honor to be a midwife."

Today we'll be speaking with Kelly Brogan, MD about her upcoming book "Own Your Self: The Surprising Path Beyond Depression, Anxiety, and Fatigue to Reclaiming Your Authenticity, Vitality, and Freedom." Kelly Brogan, M.D., is a holistic women's health psychiatrist, author of the New York Times best-selling book "A Mind of Your Own" and the children's book "A Time for Rain," and co-editor of the landmark textbook "Integrative Therapies for Depression." She completed her psychiatric training and fellowship at NYU Medical Center after graduating from Cornell University Medical College and has a B.S. from M.I.T. in Systems Neuroscience. She is board-certified in psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, and integrative holistic medicine and is specialized in a root-cause resolution approach to psychiatric syndromes and symptoms. She is a certified KRI Kundalini Yoga teacher and a mother of two. https://kellybroganmd.com/

Today we'll be speaking with Sara Banta about nourishing your child's health. We'll hear Sara's own story into how she was able to help her children heal themselves of a variety of ailments through particular nutritional methods, as well as hear about some great ways to stay healthy in general. Sara is a Health Coach and busy mother of three who are now 12, 15 and 16 years old. She completed her undergraduate studies at Stanford University with a degree in Economics and Psychology in 1998. In 2016, she graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and The Invincible Wellness System. Through her journey, she has had to solve many health issues within her family including her son suffering from leukemia at the age of nine, her daughter having allergies, anemia and asthma, her husband having heart issues, her other daughter having comprehension and learning issues, in addition to headaches. This of course is on top of her own issues with fertility, hormones, adult acne, IBS, digestive issues, heavy metals and much more. She has had to connect the dots and realize what was causing all of these issues and what the solutions were, which also of course involved the mind body connection. A lot of the same solutions that heal the gut or the brain are the solutions that help achieve weight loss, improve fitness and restore metabolic health. With that, she has devoted her life to providing guidance and all natural health supplements and solutions that heal the body and the root problems, not just addressing the symptoms. More information can be found at acceleratedhealthproducts.com and her youtube channel: Accelerated Health Radio https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC10Yc7gWgyc4hSRZBVewsWQ

Today we'll be speaking with Dr. Jay Warren about fatherhood and about some of the top things for new dads to be mindful of as they transition into fatherhood. Dr. Jay Warren has been a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor for 19 years. He is also the Wellness Care Coordinator at the CAP Wellness Center in San Diego, CA where 90% of his practice is pregnant or postpartum women and babies under one year old. Dr. Jay now serves as an instructor for the ICPA teaching an online course called "Prenatal Care: Baby Centered Birth". Dr. Jay is the host of 2 popular podcasts "Healthy Births, Happy Babies", interviewing experts on perinatal care issues and "The Dadhood Journey", where he shares real-life lessons and practical tools to support new dads in navigating their parenthood experience.

On this episode we will be speaking with Peter Gray, Ph.D, about self directed education as an alternative to conventional schooling. For the first part of this two part episode we'll be focusing on Peter's own journey into self-directed education as well as what it is, how it works, and evidence that it works. On the second part, we'll return and discuss the benefits of mixed age classes, how the principles of self-directed education fit into conventional schooling and how skills like learning to read are nourished in a self directed setting. Peter Gray, Ph.D., research professor at Boston College, is author of the book Free to Learn and Psychology, a college textbook now in its 8th edition. He has conducted and published research in comparative, evolutionary, developmental and educational psychology. He did his undergraduate study at Columbia University and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences at Rockefeller University. His research and writing focus on children's natural ways of learning and the lifelong value of play. His own play includes not only his research and writing, but also long-distance bicycling, kayaking, backwoods skiing, and vegetable gardening. https://www.self-directed.org/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn

On this episode we will be speaking with Peter Gray, Ph.D, about self directed education as an alternative to conventional schooling. For the first part of this two part episode we'll be focusing on Peter's own journey into self-directed education as well as what it is, how it works, and evidence that it works. On the second part, we'll return and discuss the benefits of mixed age classes, how the principles of self-directed education fit into conventional schooling and how skills like learning to read are nourished in a self directed setting. Peter Gray, Ph.D., research professor at Boston College, is author of the book Free to Learn and Psychology, a college textbook now in its 8th edition. He has conducted and published research in comparative, evolutionary, developmental and educational psychology. He did his undergraduate study at Columbia University and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences at Rockefeller University. His research and writing focus on children's natural ways of learning and the lifelong value of play. His own play includes not only his research and writing, but also long-distance bicycling, kayaking, backwoods skiing, and vegetable gardening. https://www.self-directed.org/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn

On this episode we're going to be hearing from Dr. Angie Graper about neurology, primitive reflexes and how this relates to both your health and that of your children. Dr. Angie Graper is a certified pediatric chiropractor through the ICPA. Additionally she is certified in the Webster technique and in Nutrition. She is passionate about helping people put the puzzle pieces together to achieve their health by combining chiropractic and functional medicine approaches. She is an entrepreneur, lifelong learner and a mother to three young kids. Her office is Family Focus Chiropractic in Chanhassen, MN.

Today we'll be speaking with Sam McCulloch about the idea of risk during pregnancy, about the importance of the midwife model of care, and about how having a quality support network can make all the difference in the birthing process. Sam McCulloch enjoys talking so much about birth that she decided to become a birth educator and doula, supporting parents in making informed choices about their birth experience. She is part of the BellyBelly.com.au writing team. In her spare time she watches Downton Abbey and has numerous creative projects on the go. She is mother to three beautiful little humans.

Today we'll be speaking Dr. Matt Rushford about the history of birthing, why it was so dangerous and why there is still so much fear about it today. Dr. Matt is an author, speaker, and family chiropractor with more than 25 years of experience. He has operated the Rushford Family Chiropractic Centers in the Burlington, Vermont, area since 1994. His writing has been published in several local and national publications, including Mothering magazine, and in 2016 he published his first book, Born Broken. He teaches anatomy and physiology for nursing students in Winooski, Vermont, and is a member of the adjunct faculty for Johnson State College. The father of one, Dr. Matt is an avid outdoorsman and runner.

On this episode we'll be speaking with Mary Lucas Flannery about Vitalistic Parenting of Teens. We'll be taking about what vitalism is, how vitalistic parenting is different from traditional parenting, how discipline is handled, and why trust is such an important element of this approach. Mary Lucas Flannery is a chiropractor, educator, professional writer and storyteller, podcaster, and marketer. She is the founder of the Art of Story Project, a business that teaches chiropractors and entrepreneurs to shape and deploy their most valuable stories to build their businesses. Mary came into chiropractic with a background in writing and the arts. After chiropractic school, she practiced in Wisconsin and Iowa, but then made an unusual choice to leave private practice and serve the profession by working in chiropractic college enrollment and marketing. Mary is currently the dean of enrollment at Life Chiropractic College West, where she has lead the enrollment team to substantial growth in the past 8 years. http://theartofstoryproject.com/ www.lifewest.edu