We Are Already Free

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the challenges of balancing your work, creativity, and personal life? Are you seeking inspiration to connect with your true self and find the strength to embrace vulnerability? Or, have you found that substances have become a part of your life in a way which takes more than they give? In today's episode, we're joined by Christopher Scott, a talented tattoo and visual artist, loving husband, and dedicated father who shares his journey of self-discovery, and the deep darkness he’s had to navigate to grow into his authentic expression as a father, husband, and creator. His mission is to awaken to his True Self through the exploration of art, and in turn be a reflection to Others. He is dedicated to being here for the Full Experience that Spirit has to offer. Whatever that may look like.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Why it’s been so empowering for Christopher to stop smoking cannabis after 22 years

2. Why it’s critical to embrace vulnerability and how it can unlock personal growth and self-awareness in your life.

3. How Christopher's experiences with psychedelics, like Bufo and psilocybin, have helped him let go and connect with his true self.

4. You’ll gain insights into the challenges of balancing work, creativity, and family life, and how Chris manages feelings of guilt when struggling to create while others depend on him.

5. Near the end, Chris shares a powerful healing art practice he has created to help people transform old patterns

Join us on a deeply vulnerable and humbly human deep-dive into the life of a provider, creator, and introspective man. I hope this episode inspire you to tap into your own power, creativity, and vulnerability as you navigate your unique path.

Links & Things from this Episode:

affiliate links where possible, to support the podcast at no extra cost to you

• Christopher Scott on Instagram: https://instagram.com/christopherscott_365

• Christopher Scott's website: https://www.electricsabbathtattoo.com

• Sara Ladyfrog Podcast episode: https://alreadyfree.me/23

• Slow Down Farmstead Episode: https://alreadyfree.me/1

• BOOK: The Sin-Eater's Last Confessions

• Please let me know if I forgot anything. One does one's best ; )

Timestamped Overview:

• [00:07:45] Addiction, divorce, trauma, depression, spiritual growth, quitting cannabis.

• [00:14:59] Quitting cannabis was terrifying, but artist found it made them more creative. Cannabis is a spirit and should not be used in a vape cartridge. Taking a break from it led to a powerful creative experience.

• [00:23:42] Beaten almost to death at a party, reclaimed power through art and energetic integration protocol.

• [00:31:47] Using symbols and colors to access subconscious and create artwork, then "letting it go" by destroying it.

• [00:34:57] Living up to potential is missing the mark of sin.

• [00:36:28] Spiritual attack made artist consider energy in career; realized importance of closing energy space after tattooing sessions.

• [00:38:36] Tattoos have deep, symbolic meaning and can be transformational.

• [00:41:24] Exploring collective human emotions leads to successful career.

• [00:45:11] Letting go and being truthful to yourself and others is difficult but rewarding.

• [00:52:54] We already have the key to our own freedom.

Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, struggling to focus, or lacking the mental and emotional resilience to face life's challenges? Are you searching for a holistic, invigorating practice to help you regain balance and inner peace? If so, you're in the right place.

Today, we're diving into the chilling world of ice baths, otherwise known as the less-exciting sounding cold immersion. That's right, we're exploring how to have ice baths at home, and trust me, it's not as daunting as it sounds!

Welcome to We Are Already Free, the podcast that sparks your inner guide to break free from internal and external limitations. I'm Nathan Maingard, breathwork facilitator, transformational guide, empowering wordsmith, ice bath fan, and your host, bringing you authentic conversations with down-to-earth visionaries who defy societal norms simply by living their rooted truth, as well as powerful tools for personal liberation. Together, let's shake off limiting beliefs and embrace the freedom within, empowering you to transform your life and deeply connect with yourself and the world. Let the transformation begin!

Ice baths have gained popularity in recent years, with countless people experiencing their incredible benefits for the mind, body, and soul. From reducing inflammation and boosting athletic performance to enhancing mental clarity and resilience, the potential advantages of ice baths are simply too good to ignore.

In this episode, I’ll share the powerful benefits of ice baths, discuss how to safely and effectively set up an ice bath at home, and share tips for maximising your experience. So, grab a warm blanket, get cozy, and let's dive into the icy depths of this transformative practice together!

And, stick around to the end for a special ice bath challenge for listeners of this podcast, with a prize included!

Some of the key topics covered in this episode:

1. Why cold immersion and ice baths offer numerous benefits such as increased energy, reduced inflammation, improved mental clarity, and a boost in dopamine levels, resulting in increased motivation and joy.

2. How to have ice baths at home with minimal equipment: a bathtub or container, a timer, a towel, warm clothes, and courage.

3. Why breathwork plays a crucial role in preparing your body for ice baths.

4. Why consistency is key in experiencing the transformative power of ice baths.

5. How to ensure your safety and wellbeing throughout the ice bath journey.

6. And heaps more!

Episode Highlights

• [00:01:02] Introduction to Cold Immersion and Ice Baths

• [00:03:15] The Benefits of Ice Baths

• [00:05:22] Ice Bath Safety Tips and Precautions

• [00:08:34] How to Set Up an Ice Bath at Home

• [00:12:45] The Optimal Ice Bath Temperature

• [00:15:12] How Long to Stay in an Ice Bath

• [00:18:07] Tips for Building Ice Bath Tolerance

• [00:21:58] How Often to Take Ice Baths

• [00:24:21] The Role of Breathing Techniques in Cold Immersion

• [00:27:46] The Pain and Pleasure of Ice Baths

• [00:30:29] Wim Hof: The Ice Bath Guru

• [00:33:04] Ice Bath Daily Routine Benefits

• [00:35:18] Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Are you tired of feeling misunderstood, disconnected, and longing for deeper connections with the men in your life? In today's episode of We Are Already Free, we're diving deep into a powerful conversation with Connor Beaton, founder of ManTalks, about the importance of vulnerability, creating meaningful male communities, and embracing our shadows. This episode is perfect for men and women who want to better understand how to foster authentic relationships and support the men in their lives on their journey to self-discovery. Join us as we explore these transformative topics and provide you with practical tools and insights to help you break free from limiting beliefs and create the connections you've always craved.

Welcome to We Are Already Free, the podcast that sparks your inner guide to break free from internal and external limitations. I'm Nathan Maingard, your host, bringing you authentic conversations with edge-walkers who defy societal norms simply by living their rooted truth. Together, let's shake off limiting beliefs and embrace the freedom within, empowering you to transform your life and deeply connect with yourself and the world. Let the transformation begin!

Today's guest, Connor Beaton is the founder of ManTalks, an international organisation focused on men’s wellness, success, and fulfilment. He is a coach, facilitator, teacher, podcast host and speaker helping men from all over the world find purpose, healthy love, a joy-filled life, and fulfilling sexual connection. His teachings draw from an in depth apprenticeship in Jungian psychology, Gestalt, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and both Buddhist and Taoist traditions. Connor has a no-BS approach coupled with compassionate understanding of our own human limitations. He has coached thousands of men through private coaching, group work, workshops, retreats and masterminds, and has shared the stage with world class speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Lewis Howes, Danielle LaPorte, and many more.

Links to Connor Beaton and ManTalks:

• Mantalks Book: affiliate link for amazon (so I get a bit of $ at no cost to you) or direct link to choose your store

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mantalks

• Website: https://mantalks.com

• Mantalks podcast: https://mantalks.com/podcast

Listen to this episode to:

1. Discover the truth about male vulnerability and why it's so important to address it.

2. Learn how to embrace wholeness and overcome the inner civil war that holds you back.

3. Gain insight practical tools and strategies for men's personal development (and how women can support men on this path).

4. Illuminate why the power of radical transparency is so important in connecting with others.

5. Listen to the end to hear Connor share his thoughts on "We Are Already Free"...and how it relates to the journey towards authenticity and personal growth, providing a powerful perspective that will leave you inspired and motivated to take action.

Are you struggling to find your true identity and purpose while living in the shadow of a powerful parental figure (or overbearing society that constantly positions itself as the know-it-all parent)?

Welcome to We Are Already Free, the podcast that sparks your inner guide to break free from internal and external limitations. I'm Nathan Maingard, your host, bringing you authentic conversations with edge-walkers who defy societal norms simply by living their rooted truth. Together, let's shake off limiting beliefs and embrace the freedom within, empowering you to transform your life and deeply connect with yourself and the world. Let the transformation begin!

In this must-listen episode of the We Are Already Free podcast, I dive deep with Daniel Maté:

Daniel Maté is a Vancouver-born, Brooklyn-based author, composer-lyricist, podcaster, and self-described "mental chiropractor". With his father Dr. Gabor Maté he co-authored the NYT Bestselling book The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture. His theatre songwriting has received the prestigious Edward Kleban Prize, an ASCAP Cole Porter Award, and the Jonathan Larson Grant. He co-hosts the lyric appreciation podcast "LET'S GET LYRICAL with Carice and Daniel", along with Carice van Houten of Game of Thrones fame. His popular mental chiropractic service "Take A Walk With Daniel" helps people all over the world get unstuck by means of a quick and potent re-alignment of perspective while walking.

In this raw and intimate conversation, Daniel shares his journey of self-discovery, the impact of having a prominent father, and how he has navigated the complexities of their relationship, the challenges of finding personal sovereignty, and healing in the face of expectations and societal pressures.

Some of the topics we cover are:

1. Breaking Free from the Shadow of a Powerful Parent

2. The Power of Vulnerability: How Authentic Connections Lead to Personal Growth

3. The Art of Mental Chiropractic: Transforming Lives with a Change in Perspective

4. The Making of "The Myth of Normal": How Daniel and Gabor Maté Tackled Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture

5. Listen to the end to hear the story of how an unexpected imprisonment supported Daniel's journey towards finding freedom in the most challenging circumstances.

If you've ever felt the weight of expectations from a strong parent figure (or society), or struggled to break free from the shadows to claim your own identity, this episode is for you. Tune in now and embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and liberation with Daniel Maté.

Links and things:

• Connect with Daniel

• Daniel Maté Official Website: https://www.danielmate.com/

• Walk With Daniel: https://www.walkwithdaniel.com/

• Daniel Maté on Instagram: https://instagram.com/danielbmate

• Books

• "The Myth of Normal" by Daniel Maté and Dr. Gabor Maté

• "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl

• Documentaries

• "The Wisdom of Trauma" featuring Dr. Gabor Maté

Are you looking to build resilience and increase your capacity to handle stress? Do you ever wonder what it means to be enlightened and how it can impact your life? Are you ever stressed out by the constant chase to live a more enlightened, high vibration life?

Welcome back to the We Are Already Free podcast, where we inspire down-to-earth seekers and free people to live their truth and be the change by focusing on what they CAN control.

In this episode, I share a deep, vulnerable, inspiring conversation Scott Carney, author of "The Enlightenment Trap" and "What Doesn't Kill Us," to explore the above questions and more.

Scott is a new york times bestselling author and anthropologist. He was the first journalist to write about Wim Hof, and one of the first people to learn the Wim Hof Method. His books ‘What Doesn't Kill Us’ and ‘The Wedge’ make the case for how Environmental training and exposure are as fundamental to human health as diet and exercise.

In this episode, Scott shares profound reflections on:

1. The concept of resilience and how it can help you create space between your natural reactions to stress and how you actually want to respond

2. The interplay between consciousness and the body, and how mindfulness practices like breath work and ice baths can help you change your physiology

3. Near the end of the episode, Scott shares his thoughts on the dangers of gurus and the importance of being able to receive feedback from others. Listen all the way to the end to hear his unique perspective and insights on this topic.

4. The Buddha's shocking mistake: The dark and murderous side of meditative practices.

5. As always, this is only scratching the surface, we also cover the hero’s journey, the middle way, Wim Hof, the big mistake the Buddha made…and much more.

If you're looking to expand your perspectives on these topics and learn how they can impact your own life, this episode is for you.

As I said in the beginning, this is a VERY vulnerable episode. Scott talks openly about death, and a traumatic experience which shaped his life. I honour the life of Emily O’Connor, and thank Scott for being willing to share so openly. I believe this is one of the most important episodes I’ve ever recorded. If you are feeling the resonance, then listen on.

Please do reach out if this brings up challenging emotions for you! You are not alone.

Connect more with Scott Carney:

• His book The Enlightenment Trap (affiliate link) - https://geni.us/0VEI

• His website, where you can find his other books, and sign up to his newsletter: https://scottcarney.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgcarney

Links and Things:

affiliate links where possible

• The Red Market by Scott Carney

• Charming Cadavers by Liz Wilson

• The Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell

• People: Wim Hof

• The Iceman cometh - article first written in Playboy by Scott Carney

• The Wedge by Scott Carney

"Consciousness is the thing that makes the indefinite, definite" - Scott Carney

Does social media ever feel like it's taking more than it gives? Today's episode could be the answer! I’m excited to welcome Ksenia Brief our guest. She's a podcast host, mentor, and sacred social media guide for entrepreneurs, creatives and healers. Throughout our conversation, we explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of following intuitive hits, and how to weave a new dream outside of the current paradigm of marketing and business. Ksenia shares her unique approach to content creation and storytelling, the importance of being present with what is, and so much more.

Connect further with Ksenia Brief:

• kseniabrief.com

• Ksenia Brief on Instagram

• My episode on Ksenia's WEB8 Podcast

Topics Covered:

00:04:46 Be present for yourself.

00:08:20 Put yourself first.

00:13:05 Be authentically yourself.

00:17:51 Trust in the flow.

00:25:11 Surrender to your truth.

00:28:26 Abundance is your birthright.

00:34:26 Live in the moment.

00:39:35 Pursue dreams with connection.

00:42:38 Gift of connection and love.

00:51:02 Trust your intuition.

00:54:58 Trust the universe's timing.

00:59:43 Build the reality you want.

01:03:45 Access the divine pantry.

Become a member on Patreon for bonuses, shoutouts, and more:

This is a community-supported creation. Plus, patrons get goodies :). 

Become a Patreon member to: 

• access BONUS conversations with guests (yes, Ksenia's one is epic, about her grandfather teaching her to sing to mushrooms)

• get a shoutout on the podcast

• ask questions for upcoming guests

• enjoy sneak previews of unreleased songs, poems, and more…

• support the ongoing production of the podcast

• meet and chat with other podcast listeners around the world in a private online community

• help me to keep the podcast ad free by supporting it yourself!

Join the tribe, access the goodies and support the podcast…all at https://alreadyfree.me/patreon

Things are changing! AAAAH! For many people, change comes with a huge dose of fear (me). Fear of rejection, failure, or making mistakes (also, me). By the end of today’s episode, you’ll feel more supported and empowered to make the changes you need to (but perhaps have been avoiding due to that fear I mentioned earlier).

Speaking of which: Big changes are unfolding with this podcast! Listen on to learn more about change in your own life through the vulnerability of the changes I'm navigating right now.

In this episode, I explore the concept of change and how to embrace it. I discuss why fear and resistance to change can be so strong, and share a powerful saying from the Amazonian Huni Kuin tribe. I talk about developing a 'growth mindset' to help with change, and provide tips on overcoming the fear of change, such as understanding it's OK, committing to the change, staying consistent, and staying flexible with changes that may not unfold the way you expect them to. I also discuss my own journey of embracing change, and use that to empower you further with a real life example.

Links to things discussed in this episode:

• Video on Growth vs fixed mindset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUWn_TJTrnU

• More on Ksenia Brief: kseniabrief.com

Topic Summaries:

(0:00:02) - Embracing Change

Exploring the concept of change, including why fear and resistance to change can be so strong. Discussing the idea that change is the only constant and sharing a powerful saying from the Amazonian Huni Kuin tribe, 'Eskawata Kayawai', which translates to 'transformation'. I dive into the role of the 'default mode network', which helps us to maintain our identities, and how asking someone to change their mind is asking them to take on a heroic journey. To help with change, I talk about developing a 'growth mindset'

(0:09:33) - 3 Steps to Overcome Fear of Change

It is normal to be scared of change, and I share 3 steps in overcoming fear: committing, being consistent, and staying flexible with the changes (that may not unfold the way you expect them to). I share an example of this through the changes I'm going through with my podcast and offerings, such as a new logo, podcast cover, and website.

(0:14:38) - Embracing Change and Transformation

On embracing change and how it can lead to greater opportunities, personal fulfilment, and the life you came here to live. It is normal to feel fear and resistance when it comes to change, but you can learn to be flexible. I share my journey of embracing change, and how, by sharing with my community for support and feedback, I've experienced a greater connection and excitement about the journey we're on together.

Become a member on Patreon for bonuses, shoutouts, and more:

This is a community-supported creation. Plus, patrons get goodies :).

Become a Patreon member to:

• access BONUS conversations with guests

• enjoy full video episodes when available (like this episode)

• get a shoutout on the podcast

• ask questions for upcoming guests

• enjoy sneak previews of unreleased songs, poems, and more…

Finding it hard to be the most authentic version of yourself? Maybe family, friends, and everyone you love thinks you’re crazy to want to change? Are you interested in learning about the dangers of dogma, cults, and believing anything too strongly? Welcome, today’s episode is for you!

Sergei Boutenko has gone through a unique journey, from being a devoted and famous raw food vegan for more than half his life, to finally deciding to incorporate meat into his diet. In this episode, Sergei discusses that more than twenty two year journey and the reasons that led him to his current lifestyle. He also explains the benefits he has experienced from eating meat and how it has changed his life for the better.

Don't miss this exciting episode of the We Are Already Free podcast to hear Sergei's story and get inspired to change the things that are no longer serving you. As Sergei says later in this episode, “A brutal identity shift and receiving lots of hate is worth it because I'm here for the truth”

Some of the topics we cover are

• Why green smoothies is still the best takeaway Sergei had from his raw vegan upbringing

• How wild edibles helped Sergei to eat meat

• The powerful lesson Sergei learned while living with David Wolfe

• Why it’s so important that we choose challenges regularly

• Near the end, the surprisingly simple thing Sergei recommends to live a good life

• As always, there’s much more. We touch on names, which is a topic I want to dive much deeper into in a future episode.

Links to Sergei

• Website: https://sergeiboutenko.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergeiboutenko/

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BoutenkoFilms

• His book Wild Edibles: A Practical Guide to Foraging, with Easy Identification of 60 Edible Plants and 67 Recipes

More links and things discussed in this episode

• From growing up in a famous raw vegan family to eating meat and feeling way better

• Why the standard american -and global- diet is terrible

• Ignoring the early signs of raw vegan health issues

• Intuitive signs that we're meant to eat all kinds of food

• Why we all have to find what works for us

• The lesson he learned while living with David Wolfe

• On spending time with a blue zones Siberian tribe

• Civilized to death - book by Christopher Ryan

• Shameful cravings for meat as a raw vegan (dreams of biting cows)

• Turning in to wolverine eating meat for the first time in 22 year

• On the liver king and why that was triggering for him

• Vulnerable sharing on estrangement from family, especially sisters

• The madness of fighting over breadcrumbs instead of creating abundance together

• World War 2 in colour on Youtube

• I want abs: Sergio's video on youtube

• Why we need to do difficult things

• Shaun 'The Viking' Zimmer's IG video with kids in the ice bath

• Andrew huberman's cold immersion episode

• We get nerdy about kettlebells

If you ever feel like a victim of the things that happen to you (rather than empowered to choose your reaction in each moment), then today's episode is for you. Our guest is medicine woman, enthusiastic human, and dear new friend Sara Ladyfrog. She takes us on a deep dive into the warrior empowerment of the frog medicine of Kambo.

In case you don’t know what that is, Kambo is a ritual named after the poisonous secretions of the giant monkey frog, found in the Amazon Jungle. The secretion is humanely gathered from living frogs. When applying the medicine, burns are made on the person’s skin, and the kambo is applied directly to the burns. It’s a very physical, very intense experience.

I’ve worked with Kambo five times since 2009, and every one of those experiences has been incredibly challenging, healing, and empowering.

Listen to this episode to learn more about this medicine, and overall more about what it takes to be an empowered peaceful warrior, to meet life with grace, courage, and the freedom of choosing.

We discuss…

• Sara’s journey from divorce, drug addiction, and alcohol abuse to her path of healing herself and supporting others in healing

• The story of Amazonian children teaching Sara how to wash clothes while watching for crocodiles!

• We could all do with more near-death experiences

• What is a real safe space?

• Near the end, we discuss How to be a healer (the answer might surprise you)

• And, you guessed it, so much more…

Links and things from this episode:

• Sara Ladyfrog on Instagram

• International Association of Kambo Practitioners

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the million and one things you're supposed to do to be a healthy human in today’s dis-eased society? Ever think it all sounds a bit overcomplicated?

Luckily, today’s guest Alex of Breathing Cold Bali three simple tools to help transform your life into one of meaningful liberation! By the end of this episode, you will learn more about these tools and how you can use them as a direct route to wholeness.

In his trainings, Alex shares the techniques he has learned over many years, which helped him OVERCOME depression, self-doubt, fatigue, anxiety and fear.

After training more than 5,000 people in Ubud, he is now on a PERSONAL MISSION to impact others with the groundbreaking techniques that could help them live their life at their FULLEST POTENTIAL.

He is passionate about inspiring people to make a positive impact in the world. He believes that if we change our relation to ourselves then we can step up in the world, have better relations with others and mother earth.

In this episode Alex shares:

• Why it’s important to learn that it’s ok to not be ok

• What is authentic relating?

• How to stop come from a place of need, trauma, and ego

• The surprising answer to the question: What is the only thing we need to create safety?

• Why showing up takes a lot of courage and how to do it anyway

• Near the end, Alex shares why it’s important that we go deeper into our bodies to heal the traumas we carry which are beyond our conscious memory…

• As always, so much more!

Connect further with Alex:

• @breathingcoldbali on instagram

• Breathing Cold Bali website

Thank you to Alex for being such a great dude and being willing to keep going through power outages, a Bali earthquake, tech overheating, and more! I’ve been following Alex’s page @breathingcoldbali for a while now, and have set a firm intention to attend his 21 day teacher training in Bali in 2023, so that I can deepen my own practice and be of more service to you, dear listener, and all my online and in-person clients.

On that note, this podcast is 100% supported by you!