Return to Wisdom
Return to Wisdom is a podcast hosted by Keshia Tognazzini, continuing the conversations from The Road to Wisdom Podcast. The show explores interconnected topics such as health, relationships, motherhood, and cultural norms, with a focus on returning to more traditional and grounded ways of living. Keshia challenges societal narratives by engaging with thought leaders, experts, and everyday voices who carry lived wisdom. It invites listeners to approach each episode with an open mind and a soft heart.
Episodes
Free Birth Society, Media Literacy & Radical Responsibility, with Tahnee Taylor
After The Guardian’s investigation into the Free Birth Society, much of the freebirth world went quiet. Keshia didn’t. In this episode she sits down with Tahnee Taylor, mother of three, herbalist, birth educator, co-founder of SuperFeast, and a woman who has had two freebirths, to talk about what the investigation revealed and what it means for women considering birth outside the system.
Tahnee do
The Push to Regulate Birth Support, with Sally Cusack
Who should be allowed to support a woman in labour? In late 2025, RANZCOG and the Australian College of Midwives called for South Australia's "restricted birth practices" legislation to be adopted nationally. The laws aim to prohibit anyone without the appropriate clinical qualifications from attending or "managing" birth.
In this episode, Keshia Tognazzini talks with maternity rights advocate Sal
Eight Births, Eight Lessons: Molly Isabel's Journey From Hospital to Free Birth
In this episode, host Keshia Tognazzini sits down with Molly Isabel, a mother of eight, to walk through every one of her birth stories — from her first birth at nineteen in a small country hospital, through smooth hospital births, an unexpected caesarean, and two free births at home. It's a rare chance to hear one woman's full arc across nearly two decades of birthing: what worked, what didn't, ho
Oxytocin, Fear & Undisturbed Birth: The Missing Piece in How We Talk About Physiological Birth
In this episode, host Keshia Tognazzini sits down with Dr Sarah Buckley — GP, researcher, and one of the world's leading voices on the hormonal physiology of birth — to unpack what actually happens in the body during physiological labour, and what gets lost when birth is interrupted, induced, or moved into an operating theatre.
They cover the "private, safe and unobserved" foundation every labouri
“Free Birth is a Rational Response” — with Dr Stu Fischbein
Part of a series examining free birth and home birth culture in light of a recent media exposé (The Guardian's investigation), this conversation features veteran obstetrician Dr. Stu Fischbein giving his unfiltered take on why free birth exists, why he believes it's here to stay, and where he thinks the modern maternity system has gone wrong. Drawing on nearly 40 years in practice — including 25 y
"Helping a baby breathe at birth, is a parenting skill" - Reclaiming Common Birth Knowledge with Billie Harrigan
"Helping a baby breathe at birth, is a parenting skill" - Reclaiming Common Birth Knowledge with Billie Harrigan
In this instalment of the Birth Series, Keshia sits down with Integrative Perinatal Health Consultant and Educator Billie Harrigan to talk about "becoming a more useful human" — the idea that ordinary, common-sense birth skills have been co-opted, medicalised, and locked behind licensin
A Reunion Chat on Free Birth, Influence & Informed Choice with Chloe Pacey
In this instalment of the Birth Series, Keshia sits down with her longtime podcasting partner and friend Chloe Pacey for a wide-ranging, unfiltered reunion conversation. Sparked by the recent Guardian investigation into Free Birth Society and figures like Emily Saldaya and Yolanda Norris-Clark, the pair dig into the messy middle ground between free birth advocacy and mainstream maternity care — wh
Coming Back to Center: Ayana on Birth Choices
Two very different birth experiences — one that unfolded within the medical system, and one that took place at home with a private midwife quietly holding space in the background. Recorded in the wake of recent media scrutiny of free birth and home birth communities, this conversation moves past the headlines and into the lived, textured reality of making birth choices under pressure and hope.
Aya
Unassisted Childbirth in Today's Climate — with Laura Shanley
In this episode, Keshia sits down with Laura Shanley — author of the foundational book Unassisted Childbirth, first published decades before "free birth" became a widely used term. Laura free birthed all of her children between 1978 and 1987 and has spent over 30 years researching and writing about the connection between fear, thought, and the physiology of labor.
The conversation comes at a pivot
Free Birth, Responsibility, and the Truth About Risk — with Melanie the Midwife
Keshia sits down with Melanie Jackson to work through the confusion left in the wake of The Guardian's exposé on Free Birth Society — what it got right, what it missed, and why neither of them was surprised by it. Drawing on her PhD research and nearly two decades attending home births, Melanie makes a clear distinction between free birth as a personal choice and the newer, more troubling trend of
"If You're Looking for Permission, You Shouldn't Do This" — Mary Lou Singleton on Free Birth
Keshia sits down with midwife Mary Lou Singleton to untangle the current confusion around free birth — where it comes from, how it's being shaped by social media and influencer culture, and what's been lost as the "Free Birth Society" brand has drifted from storytelling into ideology. Mary Lou draws on 15+ years as a home birth midwife, her own free birth, and a family history shaped by a traumati
Rebuilding the Village: Wisdom, Maturity & the Return to Intergenerational Living
In this deeply reflective conversation, Keshia is joined by Michelle Chatham and Molly to explore what the “village” truly means in modern life, and why so many women feel unsupported despite being surrounded by community.
Together, they unpack the degradation of intergenerational wisdom, the limitations of peer-only communities, and the dangers of outsourcing our knowing to professionals, systems
When Modern Health Gets It Wrong: Vaccines, Vitalism & the Body’s Intelligence with Cyndi O'Meara
In this episode, Keshia sits down with Cyndi O’Meara — leading nutritionist, filmmaker, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and founder of Changing Habits, The Nutrition Academy, The Changing Habits Farm, and co-founder of The Packing Company. With more than 45 years of experience in nutrition and health education, Cyndi has dedicated her life to helping people make informed, empowered choices abou
From “Premature Ovarian Failure” to Four Babies: Birth Stories with Angela Jessup
In this episode of Return to Wisdom, Keshia sits down with her friend Angela to talk through her journey into motherhood — from being told she was unlikely to conceive, through four very different births, miscarriage, and the process of finding trust in her own body and choices.
If you’re pregnant, exploring birth options, processing a past birth, or simply interested in real, unfiltered women’s s
Beyond Gentle Parenting: What Actually Works Part 2 with Lael Stone
In this soulful and deeply insightful episode (part 2), Keshia sits down once again with parenting educator, speaker, author, and emotional awareness advocate Lael Stone. With her signature calm wisdom, Lael explores how we, as parents, can navigate our children's emotional worlds without falling into perfectionism or panic about “getting it all right.”
Together, they unravel complex layers around
Beyond Gentle Parenting: What Actually Works with Lael Stone
In this soulful and deeply insightful episode, Keshia sits down once again with parenting educator, speaker, author, and emotional awareness advocate Lael Stone. With her signature calm wisdom, Lael explores how we, as parents, can navigate our children's emotional worlds without falling into perfectionism or panic about “getting it all right.”
Together, they unravel complex layers around trauma,
What If Menopause Is Our Second Spring? with Jane Harwicke Collings
In this deeply nourishing episode of Return to Wisdom, Keshia sits down with Jane Hardwicke Collings: midwife, teacher, author, and founder of the School of Shamanic Womancraft, to explore the sacred transitions that define womanhood.
Jane shares insights from her decades of experience guiding women through rites of passage, from menarche to menopause, and how reclaiming these cycles reconnects us
The Invisible Ingredient: Uncovering the Truth About Glyphosate with Blair Beattie
In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Keshia sits down with Blair Beattie, Director of Farmers Footprint Australia, to uncover the hidden reality of glyphosate: the world’s most widely used chemical, and its impact on our food, health, and environment.
From the origins of Roundup to the ripple effects it has on our soil, water, and bodies, this episode explores how chemical farming has di
Sex Work, ‘Gender Identity,’ and Free Speech: A Conversation with Meghan Murphy
In episode 14 of Return to Wisdom Podcast, Meghan Murphy discusses her experiences with cancel culture, the evolution of feminism, and the complexities surrounding gender identity and women's rights. The dialogue explores the impact of the Me Too movement, the realities of sex work, and the importance of free speech in modern society. Meghan emphasizes the need for critical thinking and respectful
Can We Hold Nuance in the Feminine Conversation? With A Woman Refined: Lauren Renee
journey of questioning vaccine safety, and the impact of social media on public health discourse. Lauren shares her personal health experiences that led her to question vaccines and delve into natural health practices. The conversation also touches on the complexities of indigenous wisdom and the role of propaganda in shaping public perceptions. Ultimately, they emphasise the need for informed dec
Is Modern Light Exposure Making Us Infertile? with Kiera Lea
In episode 12 of Return to Wisdom, Keshia welcomes Kiera Lea back to unpack how light, environment, stress and mindset influence women’s health and fertility. Together they explore circadian/quantum biology, melatonin’s role in pregnancy and labor, red vs blue light in IVF settings, the social drivers behind falling birth rates, and how chronic stress and insulin resistance feed conditions like PC
From Surrogacy to Sperm Banks: Children’s Rights in Third-Party Reproduction with Kallie Fell
In episode 11 of Return to Wisdom, Keshia and Kallie Fell dive into the ethical complexities of modern reproductive technologies. They unpack the realities of donor conception, examining the ethical questions around egg and sperm donation, as well as the potential risks tied to these practices. The conversation also explores how AI is shaping reproductive medicine, the societal consequences of com
The Cost of Chasing Youth: A Case for Growing Up with Kimberly Ann Johnson
In Episode 10 of Return to Wisdom, Keshia sits down with Kimberly Ann Johnson; author, somatic guide, and women’s health advocate, to unpack aging, perimenopause, motherhood, and the cultural scripts that shape how women see their bodies. Kimberly challenges the youth-obsessed narrative and the pathologizing of every hormonal fluctuation, arguing for a season-based, community-rooted approach to wo
Protector, Provider, Partner: Jaguar Hart Challenges the Culture War with Responsibility Over Rhetoric
In episode 9 of Return to Wisdom, Keshia speaks with Jaguar Hart. Jaguar has dedicated his life to education men and women on the importance of healthy masculinity and the importance of a mans role in society. In this conversation, Jag critiques figures like Andrew Tate, emphasizing the need for healthy masculine leadership and the importance of traditional roles in parenting. This discussion also
Forever Chemicals, Forever Consequences: Choosing Cookware That Protects Generations with Mark Henry
As mothers, we’re always looking for the healthiest choices for our families — but did you know the cookware you use could be just as important as the food you put on the table?
In this conversation, Keshia Tognazzini interviews Mark Henry, founder of Solid Teknics, about the importance of sustainable cookware and the dangers of non-stick products. Together they discuss the impact of PFAS chemic
Why Men Are the Portal to Receiving, Abundance & Manifestation with Hil and Ber
This week on Return to Wisdom Keshia interviews Hilary and Amber from Twin Transmissions. They explore the powerful intersection of manifestation, relationships, and self-care and why so many women feel unseen in love, and how understanding men through evolutionary psychology can transform communication, intimacy, and respect in romantic partnerships.
They also discuss the vital role of self-care
Designer Babies, Artificial Wombs, and the Future of Fertility with Dr Aaron Kheriaty
Episode 6 of Return to Wisdom sees Keshia speak with Dr Aaron Kheriaty. Dr. Aaron Kheriaty discusses the ethical implications of reproductive technologies, including IVF and genetic testing. He emphasizes the intersection of personal experiences and ethical considerations, particularly in the context of assisted reproductive technologies.
This discussion also explores the future of reproductive t
Mental Fragility and Motherhood: Exploring the Importance of Mental Fitness with Nadia Sophia
This week on Return to Wisdom, Keshia invites Nadia Sophia on to explore the complexities of motherhood, mental strength, and the importance of community support. They discuss the shift from traditional mental health perspectives to a focus on mental fitness, emphasizing the need for self-trust and resilience in parenting. The dialogue highlights the undervaluation of motherhood in society and off
Are We Meant to Parent Alone? A Return to Ancient Parenting with Dr. Paul Turke
In this episode of Return to Wisdom, Dr. Paul Turke discusses the evolutionary aspects of parenting, emphasising the importance of alloparenting and kinship networks in child-rearing. He highlights the significance of breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and the challenges modern parents face due to mobility and societal pressures.
Dr Turke also touches on developmental delays, sensory issues, and the nee
Can Birth Be Pain Free? With Tahnee Taylor
In todays episode on Return to Wisdom, Keshia sits down with Tahnee Taylor. Tahnee, is a teacher, herbalist, a bodyworker, and a mother to three children, all born at home - two in the sacred space of free birth. Tahnee takes the floor on the topic of pain free birth, and how she found it possible to create the circumstances in which to experience it. In this discussion you will find out what prog
Talking Gender Roles and Online Controversy with Chloe Pacey
Today on Return to Wisdom, I invite partner in crime, Chloe Pacey, on the show as we say a sad goodbye to The Road to Wisdom while looking forward to continuing the conversation here. Chloe shares why she can no longer continue on on The Road to Wisdom, her thoughts on the online blow up around traditional gender roles and the biological basis of adopting these. We also re address the roots of fem
Your Return to Wisdom
Welcome to this new chapter with your host; Keshia Tognazzini.
This episode is sponsored by Great Spirit
Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats.
Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order.
👉 www.greatspirit.com.au
This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byr
Trailer: Return to Wisdom
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