Welcome to the very first episode of the Conscious Misfit Podcast! It’s farewell We Are Already Free and hello new vibe!

In this episode, I get real about why I changed the podcast’s name, what it means to be a conscious misfit, and how I’m learning to show up with more authenticity (and a lot less perfectionism🤪). I open up about my struggles with unethical marketing, the pressure to fit into society’s boxes, and the relief of finding a more human, heart-centred way to connect and share.

Listen to learn:

* The story behind the name change from “We Are Already Free” to “The Conscious Misfit”

* What it means to be a conscious misfit in a world that often feels upside down

* Letting go of perfectionism and embracing our weirdness

* My journey with ethical marketing and learning from Marketing for Hippies

* How to navigate self-worth, fear of judgment, and the call to share your gifts

* The future of the podcast, upcoming guests, and a new experiment with ‘practice episodes’ to help you integrate what our guests share

If you’re a creative, a healer, a free thinker, or just someone who’s never quite fit into the mainstream, this episode is for you. We are the conscious misfits: people who are ready to live authentically, question the status quo, and bring their unique gifts to the world.

Thank you for being here. I’m honoured to walk this path with you. If you resonate with this episode, please leave a comment or connect with me at nathanmaingard.com. Many blessings on your journey!

Ciao for now,Nathan

In this very special 100th and final weekly episode of We Are Already Free, Nathan sits down with his very first guest, Tara Couture of Slow Down Farmstead, for a beautiful full-circle conversation. Tara, a homesteader, mother, and author, shares the powerful story behind her new book, "Radiance of the Ordinary," and offers her wisdom on navigating a chaotic modern world with grace and faith.

This raw and soulful dialogue explores how to find worthiness in the wreckage, the importance of silence for creativity, and why our unique gifts matter more than ever. Nathan also makes a heartfelt announcement about the evolution of the podcast, and his new focus on building a more intimate, connected sanctuary for his community on Patreon.

This conversation is a profound meditation on what it means to show up for the intensity of life, transform our pain into art, and remember that we are all worthy, simply because we exist.

Guest Information:

- Tara Couture of Slow Down Farmstead

- New Book: Radiance of the Ordinary

- Website & Substack: https://www.slowdownfarmstead.com/

- Instagram: @slowdownfarmstead

Key Takeaways

- The Power of Silence: Tara explains that for her, all creative inspiration and messages come from cultivating moments of silence and stillness.

- Finding Radiance in the Ordinary: The story of how a book title became a credo for life and a magical signpost that led Tara to her farm.

- Pain is a Gift: The most profound gifts and meaning in life often come from the hardest things we endure.

- Creativity as an Act of Faith: In chaotic times, sharing your unique, creative gifts is an act of profound faith and power, with an impact you may never be able to measure.

- Congruence as a Compass: The feeling of incongruence in your life is a gift—a driver that shows you which direction your soul needs to move in.

- You Don't Have to Be a Homesteader: Tara shares her belief that you can live a congruent life in an urban environment by making conscious choices and supporting the people doing good work on the land.

Resources Mentioned

- Join the Sanctuary: Follow for free and join the Forest Family on Patreon to get updates, connect away from the algorithms, and receive a free PDF ebook of uplifting poetry: https://nathan.live/patreon

- Weekly Livestreams: Find the schedule for the "Songs for Joy" gatherings: https://nathan.live/songsforjoy

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome & Who This Episode Is For

02:02 - A Special Announcement About the Future of the Podcast

03:09 - An Invitation to the Patreon Sanctuary

03:54 - Welcoming Tara Couture Back to the Show

05:25 - Tara on Meeting Life's Intensity with Grace and Faith

07:48 - Navigating Personal Heartbreak & Carrying Grief

10:35 - Nathan on Feeling Inadequate & The Journey to Congruence

12:20 - Tara's Journey from a Military Life to Finding Herself on the Land

16:11 - The Age of Distraction and Why We Avoid Stillness

23:38 - Tara's Creative Process: Finding Courage and Inspiration in Silence

28:28 - On Creative Commitment, Ritual, and "Deep Work"

32:20 - Does Being a Creator Matter When the World is Burning?

35:40 - Reading the Poems of Hafiz

39:05 - Tara on Her Evolving Relationship with God and Finding the Sacred Everywhere

43:56 - On Finding Radiance in the Ordinary (The Story Behind the Book Title)

51:30 - Homesteading, Responsibility, and Being a "Farmer by Proxy"

59:05 - Q&A: Deepening a Relationship with True Spirituality

01:06:40 - When you hear "We Are Already Free," what comes up for you?

01:08:49 - Nathan's Final Reflections on 100 Episodes

A service announcement and from-the-heart sharing, to let you know of how this podcast is changing and what’s coming next.

It would mean the world to me to hear what this podcast has gifted you.

I look forward to seeing what comes next. Thank you for being here with me.

Join me as the journey continues on Patreon at alreadyfree.me/patreon

With love and thanks,Nathan

If heaviness is dragging you down, these live songs and raw stories are here to reignite your inner spark. You don’t need to fix anything…just gently surrender to stories of loss, rebirth, and connection. Here to remind you that joy lives within, waiting to expand when shared!

Welcome back to We Are Already Free, the podcast for us sensitive wanderers, a shared watering hole where we gather to remember our true nature. Please enjoy episode 98.

I open up about shaking off 'shoulds' for authentic flow, then share music from my Songs for Joy gathering: 'Sway With Me' born from grief, 'I Caught On Fire' as a client's heart essence, and 'Everything' as a humming mantra. This medicine invites you to sing, reflect, and remember ancient ways of wellness through dance, silence, stories, and voice.

Key Moments

* 00:00 Welcome & Episode Overview: Embracing Joy in Uncertain Times

* 02:50 First Song: 'Sway With Me': Losing my dog Sassa, wrestling resistance, and the call to sway through floods of emotion; how humans are wired to sing.

* 12:18 Reflection: The Importance of Singing and Storytelling

* 13:29 Second Song: 'I Caught On Fire': Crafted for a client reclaiming her voice; abundance, burning old layers, phoenix rebirth.

* 19:59 Alchemical Change: Rebirth Through Music

* 21:20 Third Song: 'Everything'

* 26:49 Closing Reflections: Community, Support, and Patreon Shoutouts. Thanks to patrons Maria, Brian Dusky, Martin, Kelly, Trinia, and Cassandra.

* 27:35 Final Thoughts: Gratitude and the Journey Ahead

Standout Quotes

* 'The bigger the beauty, the bigger the resistance.' – On birthing 'Sway With Me' through doubt.

* 'I receive all that I need... I caught on fire.' – Chorus echoing transformation.

* 'I am the weeds pushing up through the cracks in your broken dreams... blossoming until your world is filled with flowering everything.' – Mantra of renewal.

Resources Mentioned

* Watch the full Songs for Joy gathering: Head to alreadyfree.me/patreon.

* Episode with Brooke McPoyle on musical breathwork

Thank you for being here with me.

Please remember to subscribe, review, and share this with someone you love.

PS: all thanks go Josh Snyman of rawbokeh for the beautiful photos and video of the gathering

That endless list of things you should be doing? It’s a trap. It’s the fuel for a draining cycle of panic, frantic action, burnout, and collapse. You know the feeling: giving everything you have, only to end up empty and wondering why nothing works. This episode is the way out.

Forget complicated systems and more self-discipline. Nathan offers a simple, powerful map to remembering your own enoughness. It’s not a checklist; it’s a dance between the three core parts of you: Me, We, and All. Listen to find your rhythm again.

"The only relationship we will certainly be in for our entire lives, no matter what, is this relationship with ourselves. So marry yourself first. Commit to yourself first."

About Your Host and This Podcast

Nathan Maingard is a guide for the seekers, edge walkers, healers, and creators. Through his work, he helps people ask the question, "What is in the way of me remembering that I am already free?" and find inspiration from those already walking their own free path.

In This Episode

* 01:35 The Overwhelm Cycle: Naming the Trap

* 03:52 Pillar 1: The "Me" Space – Why You Must Fill Your Cup First

* 05:14 Pillar 2: The "We" Space – Connection, Service, and Ubuntu

* 06:40 Pillar 3: The "All" Space – Getting God Out of the Box

* 08:25 The Enoughness Dance: How to Weave It All Together

* 10:56 A Guided Moment to Find Your Flow

Resources

* Watch the Video: This episode includes visuals. Watch the full experience here.

* Become a Co-Creator: Support the creation of this podcast and get your name in the credits by joining the community on Patreon at https://alreadyfree.me/patreon.

* Subscribe & Follow: Never miss an episode of We Are Already Free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Join the Conversation

Which part of the dance - Me, We, or All - is calling to you most right now? Share your experience in the comments below.

Have you ever had that feeling that you're doing everything you're supposed to be doing, but you still feel hollowed out, disconnected, and burnt out? Like no matter how hard you push, you just can't show up as the provider you want to be. These feelings are more than just a bad mood; they are alarm systems, letting you know that your vitality, your spirit, your very humanity is on the line.

This conversation on the We Are Already Free podcast is a map back to alignment, for both men and the women who love them. It’s a path of purpose and strength that begins by simply stepping outside. Our guide on this path is Carl Muir of Provider, a man who has walked through the fire of his own shadow to discover these truths for himself. He helps good men rediscover their purpose through men’s work and reconnection with nature, and his story is a potent reminder that sometimes, the old path must become impossible to walk so we can find our true one.

In This Episode, We Explore:

* Carl's unflinching story of going from a ‘successful’ life to burnout, and the the ego unraveling required to find his true purpose.

* Why the modern definition of a "provider" is a trap, and how to reclaim its true meaning - one rooted in emotional presence, ancestral strength, and communion with nature.

* Navigating a profound personal loss.

* The Māori wisdom "Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au" (I am nature, nature is me) and how this simple truth is the most potent medicine for our modern disconnection.

* The powerful, tangible shifts that happen in men's work when men are taken out of their routines and into the wild - and how to bring that healing back into your daily life.

* Why you carry the resilience of your ancestors, who survived wars and famines, and how you can tap into that strength to get through anything.

We Are Already Free with Nathan Maingard is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Timestamps:

* 0:00 Introduction: The Hollow Provider

* 3:31 Meet Carl Muir the Provider: From Burnout to Purpose

* 9:24 Losing and Finding Identity

* 14:32 What Does It Mean to Be a Provider?

* 26:42 Nature as Medicine: Healing Through the Wild and Men’s Work

* 30:01 Transformational Shifts: Stories from the Retreat

* 32:27 Carrying the Change Home

* 35:58 Final Reflections & Where to Find Carl Muir

Mentioned Resources & Links:

* Find Carl Muir and his powerful men's work at theprovider.co.nz

* Follow Carl's journey on Instagram: @provider_nz

* The men's leadership training Nathan and Carl attended: Sacred Sons

⭐ Support the Podcast & Access the Bonus Chat ⭐

In our exclusive bonus for patrons, Carl shares his deepest wisdom on one of the most important questions a man can ask: "How do you raise good kids in this crazy, disconnected world?" He speaks on leading by example, the gift of nature, and the humbling ways our children are often here to teach us. It’s a raw, emotional, and inspiring part of our chat that I know will land deeply for you.

If these conversations are a medicine for you, become a co-creator of the podcast. Your support allows me to remain free from chasing algorithms and advertisers, so I can focus only on creating and sharing what is true and of service to you.

Become a Patron to hear the bonus chat and co-create the show.

Shoutout to Maria, Brian Dusky, Martin, Kellie, Trinia, Cassandra, and all the other co-creators on Patreon. This happens thanks to you. Thank you.

When life feels overwhelming and the noise of the world closes in, there is a way back to peace. To the sacred space within each moment.

In this solo episode of We Are Already Free, I share a prayer that has grown with me over five years. This is the first time I’ve recorded and shared it publicly. Those closest to me who have heard it have asked for access, and now I feel called to offer it to you.

Prayer, to me, is a simple, humble conversation with something greater than ourselves. This prayer has been a source of grounding, gratitude, and transformation in my own life. I trust it can be the same for you.

If you want the prayer without introduction or closing reflection, it’s available exclusively to my co-creators on Patreon and to supporters here on Substack

This is a deeply personal gift, from my heart to yours. May it bring you the peace and presence it brings me.

Blessings on your path 🥰

Warmly, and with loveNathan

Are you as tired as I am of cookie-cutter brands pumping out AI-generated, mind-numbing ‘content’? While also feeling the pressure that if you don’t work out how to do it too, you’ll never ‘make it’?

Thankfully, you are in the right place! Our guest, Re Perez, reveals spiritual capitalism's path to authentic freedom and blending soul with profit, plus why your brand should be gay (even if you're not), how to create a category of one brand…and so much more!

About Re Perez

Re Perez ditched corporate branding to create his own adventure. His award-winning agency, Branding For The People, empowered thousands to build iconic, authentic brands. Author of Your Brand Should Be Gay (Even If You’re Not), Re blends spirituality with capitalism, merging business and personal growth through coaching, retreats, and masterminds. He’s written the playbook for embracing uniqueness, helping impact-driven leaders to create phenomenal brands. More recently, he is helping conscious brands to become a Category of One!

Topics Covered

00:00: Intro to this episode about Spiritual Capitalism

00:56: Who is Re Perez? From Corporate Follower to Authentic Branding Leader

02:46: What is Spiritual Capitalism? Blend Purpose, Profit, and Soul

16:49: Re's Transformation Journey: Bold Investments for Breakthrough Freedom

25:55: Unlock the Power of Decisions: Commit to Authentic Liberation

26:59: Why Your Brand Should Be Gay: Secrets of Raw Authenticity

33:04: How to build Category of One Brand: Own Your Unique Edge

49:26: Key Takeaways: Reframe Freedom, Plant Hope

Resources

* Re Perez website: https://reperez.com

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.re.perez/

* Book: Your Brand Should Be Gay (Even If You’re Not) (affiliate link)

About Nathan Maingard & We Are Already Free

* Podcast, Writing, and More at alreadyfree.me/substack

* Leave a review: alreadyfree.me/review

Nathan Maingard, an award-winning medicine song troubadour and trauma-informed somatic coach, guides sensitive souls to remember joy, purpose, and connection through the We Are Already Free podcast. With raw conversations, heart-crafted songs, and sacred rituals, he invites you to reclaim your authentic essence. This podcast is a haven for conscious misfits and sacred rebels, offering tools to embody self-worth, set clear boundaries, and live true.

Co-Create This Space

Support We Are Already Free on Patreon at alreadyfree.me/patreon. Unlock bonus chats - like Re’s tips for finding authentic branding partners - plus exclusive songs, poems, and more. Your support fuels this sacred work, spreading hope to seekers worldwide. Pledge now, claim your freedom, and let’s plant apple trees together. Thank you for being here!

Welcome, beautiful humans! In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Scott Carney—investigative journalist, bestselling author, and all-around truth-seeker—to pull back the curtain on the wild world of wellness influencers, online gurus, and the sometimes murky business of “authenticity” in the digital age.

If you’ve ever wondered who you can trust in the wellness space, how to spot a scam, or what it really takes to make a living with integrity, this conversation is for you. We get real about the challenges of staying true to yourself, the traps of capitalism, and why supporting independent creators (like me!) matters more than ever.

Listen to learn:

* What red flags to watch for when it comes to wellness gurus, influencers, and online health advice.

* How scammers and “grifters” use a mix of truth and lies to build trust…and how you can protect yourself.

* Why authenticity and integrity are so hard to maintain in today’s online business world (and what it really costs).

* What it actually takes to make a living as a creator without selling out (and why “enough” might be the new dream).

* How supporting independent creators (like on Patreon) can change the game for everyone, and why your choices matter more than you think.

* And finally, why hope, connection, and personal values might be the most powerful tools we have. Even in a world that feels rigged!

About Scott Carney

* YouTube: Scott Carney Investigates

* Magnetic North, Scott Carney’s Substack

* Scott Carney on Patreon

* Website: scottcarney.com

Special Offer: Patreon Relaunch!

I’m relaunching my Patreon with a special offer: get exclusive livestream access to my upcoming live music medicine event in Cape Town (for those who can’t make it in person). Join the community, support my work, and get access to behind-the-scenes content, early releases, and more.

* Patreon: https://alreadyfree.me/patreon

* Access the patron-only bonus chat for this episode right here

* Event details: https://alreadyfree.me/acoustic

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it, leaving a review, or joining the Patreon family. Your support helps me keep creating honest, heart-centred content for you.

Social media apps are designed to capture your attention, devouring hours of your life every day. In this solo episode, I share my struggle with digital distraction and offer a clear, grounded path back to freedom through clarity, connection, and creation. This episode is a call to wake up, reclaim your focus, and live deliberately—because we are already free!

What You’ll Learn

* Why social media isn’t just a harmless time sink—it’s designed to trap your attention and data.

* How distraction fuels disconnection, fear, and exhaustion.

* Three essentials for a good life: clarity of purpose, human connection, and creative presence.

* An inspiring apple tree analogy for understanding true purpose.

* How practical steps, like deleting apps, are boosting my creativity and presence.

* Why the world needs more people coming alive in their unique gifts—not just “successful” people.

* Details on the free 21-Day Dopamine Detox Challenge starting July 22nd, designed to help you build healthy boundaries with technology.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction: Dealing with Digital Distraction

0:25 How Social Media Steals Our Time and Attention

1:26 Personal Struggles with Social Media Addiction

2:24 The Impact: From Connection to Disconnection

3:50 Three Keys to a Good Life: Clarity, Connection, Creation

4:26 Understanding True Purpose: The Apple Tree Analogy

5:16 The Importance of Human Connection

6:22 Reclaiming Creativity and Presence

8:45 Making a Difference: Beyond Traditional Success

9:31 21-Day Dopamine Detox Challenge

10:36 Call to Action: Join the Free Reset Program

Resources & Links

* Join the 21-Day Dopamine Detox Challenge (Free): https://alreadyfree.me/reset

* Starts July 22nd — daily prompts + weekly live gatherings.

* Recommended reading that informed this episode:

* Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

* Indistractable by Nir Eyal

* Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke

Why Listen?

If you often catch yourself “just checking” your phone only to lose hours, this episode is for you. I cut through the guilt and confusion around social media use, offering an honest look at how these platforms drain your life force—and how you can step back into freedom. It’s a grounded invitation to reclaim your attention and creativity, allowing you to live with greater presence, purpose, and genuine connection.

Next Step

Take back your attention. Join the free 21-Day Dopamine Detox challenge today at https://alreadyfree.me/reset