1000 Hours Outsides podcast

On World Mental Health Day, youth mental health expert Bryan Gouge, PhD (Compassion International) sits down with Ginny to flip the script—from “fix the kid” to “build the village.” Bryan explains why mental health isn't just diagnoses; it's a practice we do together. You'll hear the four pillars guiding Compassion's global work—strength-based, youth-centric, trauma-informed, and locally owned—and how they translate into family life. His stories are unforgettable: teens in Nairobi's Dandora slum turning peer groups into a youth-led NGO, and the way reframing “symptoms” (anxious kids as hyper-observant, depressed kids as deeply empathetic) unlocks hidden strengths. He ties it all to nature and presence: shared sunsets, forest walks, and the simple power of truly listening—because resilience grows where kids feel known, loved, and protected. This conversation matters now because parents feel the pressure to perform while kids drown in stress and isolation. Bryan offers concrete moves you can make this week: write a short family mission, increase the ratio of caring adults in your child's life, choose gatherings over grind, consider how your neighborhood supports connection (even in small ways), and practice “listen before fix.” You'll leave with a hopeful, doable vision: resilient kids are built together, not alone. Press play to rethink support, re-center community, and rediscover the healing rhythm of being outside—side by side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sean Dietrich returns for his fourth conversation with Ginny Yurich, and it's one of his most powerful yet. From the near-extinction of kids on bikes to the loss of long attention spans, Sean names what many parents quietly feel — that a way of life has disappeared almost overnight. He shares how a few months with a flip phone reshaped his focus, how fiction can tell the truest truths, and why childhood once “alive with wonder” is now in danger of being managed instead of lived. This episode is a call to remember and rebuild. Sean and Ginny talk about children learning to self-manage in the woods, the discipline of reading when every app competes for our eyes, and the beauty of cursive, handwritten words. It's equal parts nostalgia and warning, wisdom and humor — and a reminder that protecting childhood isn't sentimental. It's essential. Get your copy of Over Yonder here Get your copy of The Absolute Worst Christmas Ever here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your aches, digestive issues, or low-energy days aren't just about food or stress — but how well your body manages gravity? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Brennan Spiegel unpacks “gravity intolerance,” the idea that our bodies are increasingly out of sync with the gravity force we evolved under. From astronauts losing bone density in space to children collapsing into chairs, the missing piece isn't always more activity or diet—it's a better alignment with how nature meant us to move, stay upright, and resist the downward drag. Dr. Spiegel weaves together stories and science: how weak posture flattens digestion, how serotonin isn't just a mood chemical but a key tool for gravity-resilience, how weighted vests and foot contact matter, and why many gut-brain problems (including IBS) may stem from gravity mis-management more than we realized. If you want to help your kids, your body, and your mind move stronger, think clearer, and feel lighter — this episode will change how you see the ground beneath your feet. Get your copy of Pull here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filming in Morocco and fresh off the marathon research behind Cry Havoc, bestselling author and former Navy SEAL Jack Carr returns for his fourth 1KHO conversation—this time squarely in our wheelhouse of reading, learning, and family culture. Jack makes a compelling case that books are the antidote to algorithm-driven distraction: stories train attention, build empathy, and hand our kids a durable inner compass you can't get from a social media feed. We walk through how he reconstructed 1968 for his new novel (maps, memoirs, dictionaries from the era!) and why that kind of deep work mirrors what we want for our children—slow knowledge, resilient mindsets, and the courage to think for themselves. Parents will love the practical spillover: cultivate “analog downtime” (think: cards at the table, shared read-alouds) where wisdom is actually transmitted; point teens to big, stretching books that expand vocabulary and perspective; and use history and fiction to talk about media literacy in an age when everyone is “the press.” Jack shares a short canon he believes every American should know, and we connect it to everyday habits that raise readers—not scrollers. If you're building a home where curiosity, grit, and good stories shape the next generation, this one will light a fire. Get your copy of Cry Havoc here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unforgettable sixth appearance, world-renowned farmer and author Joel Salatin returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast for one of the most powerful conversations yet. Drawing from his book Beyond Labels, Joel exposes how modern life has become trapped in labeling everything — our food, our health, even our families — and what we lose when we stop thinking for ourselves. From shocking truths about what's actually in packaged foods to the deeper spiritual healing that begins with forgiveness and contentment, this episode is both grounding and galvanizing. Parents and families will find rare encouragement here. Joel and Ginny explore how freedom, simplicity, and hands-on living create resilient kids and joyful homes — and why true health begins when we move beyond fear and start nurturing what we're for. Listen now and rediscover the beauty of a life lived beyond labels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When parenting feels like quicksand, where do we plant our feet? In this deeply hope-filled conversation, Raechel Myers—cofounder of She Reads Truth—joins Ginny to unpack why Scripture is not just ancient, but alive and profoundly practical for families today. Drawing on Romans 1 and the way creation “preaches,” Raechel shares how her new devotional, The Bible Is for You, walks readers through all 66 books—one story, many voices—so parents and kids can see God's thread from Eden to the Garden City. This episode also meets parents in the hard places. Raechel and Ginny talk Esther's courage in dark days, the upside-down power of 2 Corinthians (“strength perfected in weakness”), and how to lead our kids toward what is unseen and eternal when life feels confusing—or when church wounds make trust feel risky. If your family is hungry for truth you can live, you'll love Raechel's practical on-ramps: Scripture-forward readings, cross-references that let Scripture interpret Scripture, and their beloved Advent reading plan (complete with slow practices like recipes, hymns, and simple crafts) to help you “walk slowly toward the manger.” Try it all together around the table, outdoors under the stars, or wherever your family finds a quiet, screen-free minute. Grab seasonal resources at ⁠She Reads Truth⁠ and ⁠He Reads Truth⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the solution to tech-induced meltdowns wasn't another app, but a different kind of screen altogether? In this urgent, hope-filled conversation, Ginny sits down with Daylight founder and CEO Anjan Katta as well as Tristan Scott—two innovators taking on Big Tech with what they call “the least computer possible.” They explain how Daylight's reflective, blue-light-free, flicker-free display works with natural light (even in full sun), why that calms kids' nervous systems, and how designing for finite, intentional use (reading, writing, audiobooks, selected learning tools) restores attention, sleep, and sanity. You'll hear the “slot machine vs. riverside” analogy you won't forget—and a wild experiment where kids actually got bored of YouTube on a Daylight device. Tristan unpacks EMFs(and how Daylight's “smart airplane mode,” ethernet support, and outdoor use shrink exposure, while Anjan shares the conviction that drove him to build a screen he needed for his own hypersensitive brain and for every child caught in today's attention economy. This is calm technology for real childhoods: fewer tantrums, fewer tabs, more outside time, and more cognitive sovereignty for families. If EdTech is everywhere, this episode shows a better way in. Parents, educators, and homeschoolers—don't miss the details on Daylight Kids and ESA approval, plus a vision that trades doom-scrolling for dirt-between-the-toes learning. Head to https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/1000HOURS Use code 1000hours at checkout to save $50 and get FREE shipping on your Daylight DC-1 tablet or any of their kids bundles! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unforgettable episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with former NFL player, lawyer, and New York Times bestselling author Tim Green. Though Tim now lives with ALS and communicates through adaptive technology, his wisdom, warmth, and humor shine through every word. From life in the NFL to raising a family, from writing bestselling books for kids to inspiring readers everywhere, Tim reminds us that true success is about much more than titles or achievements—it's about presence, perseverance, and perspective. Tim's new book Rocket Arm offers a window into youth sports culture today, but this conversation goes far beyond the field. Tim shares lessons on family, faith, resilience, and the power of reading—what he calls “weightlifting for your brain.” His message to parents, grandparents, and kids alike is simple but profound: no matter what else is going on, you're all on the same family team, and that team is always more important. This is an episode you won't just listen to—you'll carry it with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when kids grow up without free play? Licensed therapist Nicole Runyon, LMSW, has been on the frontlines of America's childhood mental health crisis, and what she's seen is sobering: most of the children filling therapy offices don't actually need therapy—they need their parents to reclaim the foundations of childhood. In this episode, we dig into her groundbreaking book Free to Fly and uncover why play, movement, discomfort, and independence are not luxuries—they are the very building blocks of healthy development. Screens, overpathologizing, and permissive parenting are stealing what used to come naturally, and our kids are paying the price. Nicole explains why play-based childhoods are being stolen from today's iGeneration, how “drug addiction begins with the iPad,” and why discomfort is not the enemy but the doorway to confidence and resilience. We cover everything from the dangers of tracking teens and delaying driving, to the epidemic of broken children overwhelmed by screens, junk food, and anxiety. Most importantly, Nicole reminds us that the answer lies within the family unit. Parents have more power than they think, and small, courageous choices can restore independence, health, and joy to the next generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Screens train us to skim; books train us to think. In this urgent, hope-filled conversation, Doug Lemov (Teach Like a Champion) and Ginny make a compelling case for a childhood culture that is low tech, high text. You'll hear why book-reading is collapsing—what that's doing to kids' attention, imagination, and empathy—and exactly how to reverse it with simple habits: daily read-aloud (even with teens), real books you can annotate, and outdoor reading rituals that pair sunlight and birdsong with stories. Doug breaks down fluency's three pillars—accuracy, automaticity, and prosody—and explains why even picture books carry 50% more rare words than adult speech, rapidly expanding vocabulary and background knowledge (think the classic “baseball study”). You'll also learn why formative writing—quick, handwritten jot notes before discussion—supercharges comprehension (and beats laptop note-taking); why books are the optimal medium for deep thinking; and how to spot and fix disfluent reading. Finally, Doug demystifies the phonics vs. three-cueing debate and points parents to the investigative series changing laws nationwide: Sold a Story. If you want your kids to imagine vividly, read confidently, and engage the world with stamina and joy, this episode is your blueprint to trade scrolling for page-turning—on the porch, at the park, all childhood long. Get your copy of Guide to the Science of Reading here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What if the very wounds you never meant to cause are also the trailheads to your child's greatest gifts and your own? In this deeply honest conversation, Army veteran, pastor, coach, and author Tony Miltenberger sits down with Ginny to unpack the hard paradox parents live every day: intentions don't always protect against impact. Tony names the “little-t trauma” most of us absorb between ages four and twelve, explains why our kids are “most definitely wounded” even in loving homes, and shows how to spot it (like when emotions spike past a six and we're tempted to react instead of respond.) From “amnesty dinners” that invite truth without punishment to the surprising way a child's wound can become their strength, this episode offers relief without shirking responsibility, and practical rhythm without shame. Explore Tony's new book, Wisdom in the Wound: How God Uses Your Past to Shape Who You're Becoming, for a deeper dive into redeeming the pain we never intended to cause. Tony also shares how his own story—military service, ministry, and fatherhood—shaped a simple definition of grace: empathy plus curiosity. If you've felt the ache of doing your best and still seeing fallout, this conversation will help you trade self-judgment for steadiness and turn rupture into repair. Connect with more of Tony's work here: Follow 2 Lead podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When life lurches from order to disorder, what if the way through isn't either/or—but and? In this moving conversation, author and advocate Jillian Benfield sits down with Ginny to unpack the transformative idea behind her new book, Overwhelmed & Grateful—that we can honor pain and practice gratitude without denying either reality. Jillian shares how the “ampersand life” steadied her through high-risk pregnancies, years of medical unknowns, and the lonely redefinitions of identity and friendship, and how simple practices like lament, attention, and awe can calm a stormed nervous system and reopen wonder. From “in-house years” to cross-country moves with 18 specialists on speed-dial, Jillian offers hard-won wisdom for parents navigating seasons they didn't choose: how to spot beauty without bright-siding, how tears literally move stress through the body, and how awe—on a beach walk, a mountain trail, or even a Broadway balcony—can hush the harshest self-talk. If you need language for your own order → disorder → reorder cycle, this episode will meet you with honesty and hope and a path to practice both. Connect with Jillian on Instagram and find Overwhelmed & Grateful wherever you get books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very ways we structure childhood are quietly cutting off our kids' potential? In this powerful conversation, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Perry joins Ginny to unpack why real learning requires movement, play, and space to reflect—not endless worksheets, long lectures, and overscheduled days. He explains how the brain wires itself through short bursts of novelty followed by rest, why REM sleep cements learning, and how overscheduling, lack of recess, and early mornings are some of the most inefficient ways we could possibly teach kids. Dr. Perry also reveals why challenges from stress or adversity are rarely irreversible, and how resilience is built through rhythm, repetition, and safe relationships. Together they explore the everyday practices that either foster growth—or unintentionally snip it off before it begins. You'll learn why play is the real work of childhood, why empathy is forged in mixed-age groups, and how freedom outdoors provides the risk-taking and mastery kids need to thrive. This episode will challenge parents, educators, and caregivers to rethink what matters most for development and offers practical ways to restore the rhythms kids need. Explore Dr. Perry's work at the ChildTrauma Academy: childtrauma.org, and his books The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (link), What Happened to You? (link), and Born for Love (link). If this conversation helps your parenting or teaches you something new, please share it with a friend and leave a quick review. Together we can help more families protect, not snip off, the potential in their children. ❤️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Families are never flawless—but they can still be resilient, connected, and full of joy. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Jessica Smartt returns for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a home your kids want to come back to. Drawing from her new book, Come On Home, Jessica shares stories of life on a family compound, the hidden challenges that shape everyday parenting, and the surprising ways legacy is forged through ordinary, imperfect moments. This episode is equal parts practical and heartfelt. From sibling rivalries to marriage struggles, from planting long-term seeds of connection to embracing laughter in the chaos, Jessica's wisdom is relatable for every season of family life. If you've ever wondered whether you're “doing enough,” this conversation will encourage you that the small things matter more than you think. There are lots of laughs in this one! Listen in and share it with a friend. A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below: Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more. BetterHelp: Visit www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you're looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Capstone Wellness - For over 24 years, Capstone has helped thousands of families on their path to healing. Learn more at capstonewellness.com/1000hours NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Wayfair - Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if one open-ended question could turn a hospital room (or a hurried life) into a place where people feel seen? In this conversation, ICU nurse–turned–story gatherer Hunter Prosper shares how asking a dying patient about her greatest love cracked his own burnout and sparked Stories from a Stranger, a project he calls “therapy for millions.” Together we explore why real listening restores our humanity, how strangers open up when they feel seen, and why your emotions like anxiety, joy, heartbreak are the bridge that connects you to everyone around you. If you've ever wondered how to help your kids (and yourself) feel wanted, loved, and truly known, this episode gives you simple, powerful tools: the open-ended questions to borrow, the art of letting silence do its work, and the courage to start a conversation on the sidewalk or around your dinner table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if homeschooling wasn't a conveyor belt of quizzes and boredom—but the most flexible, life-giving way to raise whole humans? In this conversation with Amber O'Neal Johnston, editor of the new anthology Homegrown, we dismantle the myths: how Amber went from “absolutely not” to “never looked back,” why freedom to pivot becomes a family superpower, and how learning in community (like Erin Loechner's “together schooling”) turns neighbors, potters with kilns, and adventure clubs into the world's most joyful classroom. We talk confidence over fear, travel as teacher, Charlotte Mason and living books, and why moms (and dads!) are the “special sauce” their kids actually need. We also get real about hard seasons like grief, health crises, money stress and why your kids aren't “falling behind” when life happens; they're gaining a profound education in perseverance, compassion, and peace. You'll hear why “seasons take time to change,” how brains (and families) grow through challenge, and why relationships—not checklists—drive real learning. If you're starting, restarting, or homeschool-curious, this is your Sunday reset: practical, soul-steadying, and deeply encouraging. Listen and share! Text this episode to a friend who needs a boost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When feeding your family feels confusing and chaotic, this episode is your reset. Functional-medicine dietitian Ali Miller (RD, LD, CDE) shows how to move from “immediate” choices to environmental shifts to true habit rewiring—simplifying dinner with 5–7-minute protein sears, sheet-pan veggies, and one slow-cook a week. We talk “God foods” vs. ultra-processed products, why kids' moods track their blood sugar, and how to make your kitchen the hearth again—less frantic, more joyful. Ali's brand-new book, Naturally Nourished Kids turns big ideas into doable family routines (like bone-broth queso, cabbage chips, and rainbow sheet-pans). We also dig into guiding teens toward ownership (guided choices, smart carb-plus-protein pairings), and how probiotics + mineral-rich bone broth support calmer brains and sturdier immune systems. For a deeper dive into food-as-medicine and anxiety, explore Ali's Anti-Anxiety Diet resources and her Naturally Nourished Podcast. Then queue up this episode on your favorite app and pass it along—because a calmer kitchen can change a whole household. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if joy isn't a mood but a muscle? In this heartfelt, fast-moving conversation, Rachel Awtrey shares how she learned to “nod to hard things without bowing to them" from cayenne-in-the-chili nights and Lego landmines to job loss and grief. She unpacks three kinds of hard days (typical interruptions, long tough seasons, and true tragedies), why we often compare ourselves to an ideal version of ourselves, and how asking for help actually forges your strongest friendships. Along the way, we talk simple practices that change the temperature of your home: taking more meals outside and counting those hours toward the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge, short walks, grounding, ice-rolling for a quick nervous-system reset, and the underrated experience of adult play. If your life is technically “likable” but doesn't feel that way right now, this episode is your permission slip to make some small changes. Grab Rachel's new book, Love Your Life, Even When You Don't Like It All the Time , check out her show, Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey, and say hi to her on Instagram (@rachelawtrey). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the antidote to our frantic, hyper-scheduled lives is a single pot of herbs on the back step? In this deeply honest conversation, returning guest Bailey Van Tassel shares how planting one container cracked open a new way of living—rewiring how she mothers, works, and measures “success.” We talk about the joy of learning again as an adult, the “just-enoughness” a garden offers in every season, and why kids (and parents) come alive when we co-create with nature. You'll hear the city-to-soil story behind Bailey's new book Kitchen Garden Living, and the surprising ways a messy bed of flowers can mirror a beautiful, resilient family life. Listen and let your shoulders drop. Then we get practical: pollinator borders that invite life, trap crops that protect your veggies, companion planting that keeps pests in check, trellises and hoops that make space, and Bailey's simple “poker planting” method so you know what to grow, where, and how much. We also swap soul-feeding ideas—family foraging maps, pressed-flower pasta, homegrown teas and salves—and make the case to start small today. Follow Bailey and explore her resources at baileyvantassel.com. Listen in and then share this one with a friend who's craving a gentler pace—and maybe a tomato that tastes like summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This conversation is a deep breath and a practical roadmap for a time when parenting has become so challening. Bestselling author Kari Kampakis (mom of four girls) joins Ginny to share what truly equips daughters for today's pressures—friendship shifts, online comparison, dating drama, and the “conformity engine” that can steal childhood wonder. Kari's hope-forward framework is simple and memorable: use the drip-drip-drip approach to big topics, teach girls to cast a wide net socially, and help them leave relationships with dignity. You'll hear why urgency often backfires, how to avoid the “bitter barn,” and how to plant short, sticky phrases your daughter will actually remember. Explore more of Kari's work here: karikampakis.com and her new book Is Your Daughter Ready? 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges here. This episode balances heart and horsepower. You'll get language for hard moments (including party safety, peer pressure, and tech boundaries), plus the comforting truth that seeds you've planted can't be unplanted. If you're parenting a girl—from elementary through college—this one is equal parts perspective shift and playbook. Share it with a friend who needs encouragement today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our most light and peppy episode to date, Danielle Kartes reminds us that joy is available today—not if or when. In this upbeat, heart-forward conversation, the celebrity chef behind Rustic Joyful Food shares how a closed restaurant, tight budgets, and a whole lot of grit became the soil for fourteen books, national TV appearances, and a ministry of encouragement. We swap stories about building a resilient family culture around the table, the healing power of rhythm and routine, and why “Dear dinnertime, we love you!” can change a home's atmosphere. Explore Danielle's world (and her recipes by season) at RusticJoyfulFood.com Parents, you'll love the practicals: getting kids confident in the kitchen, “flip it or skip it” ingredient swaps, toddler-tapas starters, and the lost skills every child can master—multiplying a recipe, seasoning with savvy, and knowing when a cake is done. Danielle's brand-new book The Best Kids Cookbook is a joyful on-ramp to all of it. Also, check out the other books mentioned in this episode! Your Were Always There Meant to Share If this conversation encouraged you, share the link with a friend—your text might be the bright spot in their day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special September Sunday episode is a deep breath for weary and wondering parents. Ginny welcomes author and podcaster Maeve Jemison to dismantle the most persistent homeschool myths—socialization, schedules, screens, “I'm not patient enough,” “we both work,” single parenting homeschool, and more—and to show why home can be the ultimate individualized education plan. Maeve shares how she pulled her daughter mid-year, moved from all-online to books on the couch, and discovered what so many families eventually see: kids thrive when we protect curiosity, right-size academics, build life skills, and make room for joy. It's practical, eye-opening, and deeply affirming—exactly the reset you need heading into a new homeschool week. You'll leave with concrete, calming takeaways: flexible rhythms that work for dual-income and single-parent homes, why functional literacy doesn't require full-time school hours, and how embracing many ways to be smart unlocks confidence for every learner. This conversation is part of our September Sunday series designed to help you start each week steady and supported. Listen, share with a friend who's on the fence, and keep the encouragement coming. • Get Maeve's book: Home Is Where the Truth Is: Why You Can and Should Homeschool Your Child • Listen to Maeve's podcast: Homeschooling for Catholic Parents — Listen on Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beloved guest Luis Fernando Llosa returns with a simple, gritty rescue plan for modern families: rebuild the family base camp so your kids can handle pressure, bullying, and performance culture without losing their joy. We dig into free play over frenzy, why most kids quit organized sports by 13, and how to prepare your child for the possibility of many job changes in adulthood. Resources: Emotionally Resilient Tweens and Teens by Luis Fernando Llosa and Kim John Payne Beyond Winning: Smart Parenting in a Toxic Sports Environment by Luis Fernando Llosa, Kim John Payne, and Scott Lancaster Whole Child Sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heart-opening conversation, Ted Page and Ginny explore why grandfathers are oddly absent from popular culture—and why their presence might be exactly what modern families are missing. Drawing on Ted's new book, Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood, and voices from grandpas across cultures and generations, they unpack the joy (chocolate for breakfast!), the work (moving rocks, building character), and the legacy (forever letters, shared stories) that knit families together. Learn more about Ted's work and community at GoodGrandpa.com and find his book there, too. Ted makes a compelling case that today's grandparents are the first to inherit the internet—and can use it to reduce screens, not increase them: FaceTime for connection, emails as “forever letters,” and then power down for books, brooks, clay pits, and tree climbs. You'll leave with a simple mantra from Aunt Lois—“be there for them”—and practical ideas for welcoming grandparents in as allies who protect childhood, strengthen parents, and pass down love that outlives us. If this encourages you, share it with a grandparent (or grandparent-to-be), and grab more nature-rich family resources at 1000HoursOutside.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heart-lifting conversation, Ginny sits down with author and mama of nine Amy Hughes to explore how ordinary phrases shape extraordinary childhoods—often more than we realize. From the “funny” comment a six-year-old takes as literal truth, to why “be careful” and “calm down” backfire, Amy shows simple swaps that lower fear, raise connection, and help kids think for themselves. You'll hear practical ideas like creating a cozy “time-in” spot, ordering the environment instead of the child, and aiming for a five-to-one ratio of encouragement to correction—plus the courage to say the most powerful two words in a family: “I'm sorry.” Learn more about Amy's work and find her gentle, faith-filled voice here: Words Like Honey (book), @simplelittleamy, and simplelittleamy.com. We also wade into the tender dance of letting go as kids grow and how to grant real autonomy while staying a safe, steady place to land. It's a conversation for parents who want fewer ultimatums, more wisdom, and a home atmosphere that heals. If you've ever wondered how to speak life into your family when emotions run high, this episode will meet you right where you are and give you language you can use today. Share it with a friend who needs a hopeful nudge. A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.  BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you're looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Capstone Wellness - For over 24 years, Capstone has helped thousands of families on their path to healing. Learn more at  capstonewellness.com/1000hours  NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Wayfair - Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.  Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if boyhood isn't a problem to fix—but a strength to steward? In this energizing, tender conversation, Ginny Yurich and author Rebekah Lovell dismantle the myth that lively boys need taming. From a golf-cart rescue on Rebekah's farm to the everyday habits that build courage and character, they name what our culture gets wrong: over-scheduling, medicating drive, and treating noise, dirt, and risk like defects. They also offer a hopeful path back with ideas like service before entertainment, real responsibility, and wide-open hours outside. You'll leave with a practical playbook for reviving boyhood at any age: daily read-alouds, purposeful risk (trees, tools, real work), and simple rhythms that turn “busy” into brave. Start Rebekah's free Outdoor Reading Club to pair books with sunshine, then use this episode as your nudge to cut screen clutter, unschedule a little, and watch initiative bloom. If you've sensed that childhood is being tamed indoors, this is your permission and your plan to bring back wonder, grit, joy and lots of dirt. Get your copy of Boyhood Resurrected here Explore the mission the ⁠Warrior Poet Society⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philosopher and author Dr. Kay Toombs joins Ginny to name the thing so many parents feel but can't quite describe—a hyperactive worldview that trains us (and our kids) to crave instant results and reject slow, quiet, real life. Drawing on her brilliantly researched book, Changing Our Minds (get the book), and decades living in an intergenerational, agrarian community, Kay explains how always-on tech reshapes attention, dulls imagination, and erodes empathy, while crafts and time outdoors rebuild patience the old-fashioned way. From the contagious joy of teens knitting their first headbands to kids discovering where dinner actually comes from, this conversation makes a compelling case for trading dopamine-on-demand for the deep satisfaction of making, tending, and waiting. It's also a practical playbook for families on the edge of burnout. Kay and Ginny outline how to replace screens with compelling alternatives, form a small tribe of like-minded families, and trust kids with real responsibility—steps that restore attention, confidence, and connection. If your home feels like it's speeding up while patience is wearing thin, start here: explore resources at 1000 Hours Outside, then queue the episode and share it with a friend (listen on Apple Podcasts or listen on Spotify). This is a hopeful, hands-on roadmap for resisting hurry and raising children who can notice, wait, wonder, and love well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus Sunday episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich sits down with unschooling mom Raven Kramer to make a beautifully simple case: when we let kids be kids, learning takes root. Raven shares how healing her own story shaped a “life schooling” approach where play isn't fluff - it's physics, literacy, fractions, and emotional intelligence in disguise. From board-game math and baking-as-fractions to skatepark conversations with people of all ages, Ginny and Raven reframe socialization, champion boredom as the doorway to creativity, and offer sane screen habits that put curiosity back in charge. Follow Raven on Instagram at @ravennkramer and learn more about her nature-based community at Wild School of Tampa Bay. You'll also hear practical rhythms for dual-working households, why “outside” is a classroom, and how to make homeschool more affordable—from museum discounts to the fourth-grade Every Kid Outdoors pass (link). Want to go deeper? Ginny references Peter Gray's Free to Learn and Angela Hanscom's Balanced & Barefoot . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this off-beat, surprisingly aligned episode, Ginny sits down with producer Brennan McPherson to unpack Light of the World—a hand-drawn, theater-released animated feature that tells the life of Jesus through the eyes of a teenage John. Brennan shares how a small nonprofit rallied 400 artists over four years to make a reverent, funny, deeply human film that families can actually enjoy together—because the goal isn't more screen time, it's real-life connection. From the historically plausible ages of the disciples to Studio-Ghibli-level visual care, the film becomes a coming-of-age story about courage, friendship, and choosing the harder right—exactly the kind of conversations we want after a night at the movies. See showtimes or grab tickets here: lightoftheworld.com. Brennan also shares the project's heartbeat: using beauty and simplicity to move people off devices and into embodied relationships. You'll hear how his family's six-line “Salvation Poem”—now translated into 100+ languages—became a memorable tool kids (and parents) can keep in their back pocket (salvationpoem.com). If your home values time outdoors, creativity, and the kind of stories that linger on the walk back to the car, this conversation will meet you right where you live. Light of the World is out now—make it a family outing this week: lightoftheworld.com A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.  BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you're looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Capstone Wellness - For over 24 years, Capstone has helped thousands of families on their path to healing. Learn more at  capstonewellness.com/1000hours  NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Wayfair - Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.  Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rabbits, worms, sheep…and a whole lot of hope. In this lively, can-do conversation, Ginny meets homesteader and educator Laura Cox—the new friend she made at the Homestead Festival—who shows how ordinary families can reclaim food, skills, and sanity without moving to 50 acres. Laura de-mystifies meat rabbits (hello, “bunny berries” that are cold compost and garden-ready), explains simple worm-bin systems you can feed twice a year, and shares why rabbits are the highest protein per gram of the common meats—plus how quiet, low-odor setups can work in a garage, subdivision, or even with an HOA. You'll hear how her one-income family traded grocery premiums for hands-on, joy-filled work; how agritourism, workshops, and even rabbit-poop sales (!) became a family economy; and why “learning by doing” grows confident kids and connected communities. We also roam through hair sheep and rotational grazing, a forthcoming Young Homesteader book on rabbits (with homeschool tie-ins), and the small businesses Laura spun up from her kitchen—like DIY elderberry syrup kits and a clean seasoned salt blend. It's a fresh, funny, deeply practical episode that will have you eyeing your yard, your budget, and your week with new imagination. Start with one simple win (zinnias, anyone?), then build from there. Tap the links, listen with a friend, and share with a parent who needs a hopeful on-ramp today: Cox Homestead (workshops, mentorships, farm experiences): https://cox-homestead.com Laura's Etsy shop (elderberry kits & seasoned salt): https://www.etsy.com/shop (search “Cox Homestead”) The Homestead Festival: https://www.thehomesteadfestival.com A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.  BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you're looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Capstone Wellness - For over 24 years, Capstone has helped thousands of families on their path to healing. Learn more at  capstonewellness.com/1000hours  NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Wayfair - Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.  Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a family of six points themselves south and walks the entire Pacific Crest Trail—Canada to Mexico—with kids ages 16, 14, 13, and 11? In this powerful conversation, author Vince Strawbridge ( Pretty Good at Walking ) shares the decision to trade GPAs and schedules for a five-month “classroom with no walls,” and what the trail taught them about capacity, character, and family. We get inside the real logistics—mailing food boxes, burning through shoes, racing post-office hours, learning trail lingo like hiker boxes and trail magic—and the real parenting: discerning pain vs. injury, pacing to your slowest hiker, letting your fastest lead ahead, and discovering that shared suffering forges a different kind of bond. Vince explains why southbounders see less “trail magic,” how their daily mileage jumped from 14 to 26, what night hiking felt like, and why time itself feels different after you've measured days by footsteps and first light. But this isn't just a hiking story—it's a hope story for parents. Vince describes kids who changed without a single test score; a daughter who learned she quits at 98% of a hill and now pushes the last 2%; a son who found quiet grit; and a dad who came home and rebuilt his work around simplicity because the trail widened his range for discomfort—and joy. We talk growth-through-hard-things (“soon we will be cozy and dry”), why putting yourself in the path of an adventure that's also for you is the secret sauce, and how extended family and “trail angels” were pulled into the story along the way. If you've ever wondered whether a big, out-of-the-box adventure could form your kids (and you) in ways a classroom can't—this episode will light a spark. A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.  BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you're looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Capstone Wellness - For over 24 years, Capstone has helped thousands of families on their path to healing. Learn more at  capstonewellness.com/1000hours  NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Wayfair - Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.  Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an era where smartphones slip into children's hands long before they're ready, parents are left asking the same desperate question: What should I do about my kids and technology? Dr. Jean Twenge, renowned psychologist, researcher, and author of iGen and Generations, returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast with a lifeline: her brand-new book Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. Drawing on decades of data and her own experience raising three teens, Dr. Twenge explains why depression among teens doubled between 2011 and 2019, how smartphones rewired childhood almost overnight, and why conversations alone aren't enough. Rules, she argues, aren't restrictions—they're the guardrails that preserve sleep, mental health, independence, and joy. From the rule of “no phones in bedrooms” to “pick an age and stick with it,” Dr. Twenge outlines a blueprint every family can adapt today. She shows how saying “not yet” to screens actually says “yes” to resilience, friendships, reading, play, and confidence. This episode is both sobering and empowering, reminding parents that they're not powerless in a tech-saturated culture. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Twenge hands us the rulebook we've been waiting for.

We live in a world where every fact is at our fingertips, but what about the questions no search engine can resolve—What makes a good mother? What does the person next to me fear the most? Author Anna Mitchael joins Ginny to share insights from her book They Will Tell You The World Is Yours, a collection of short, powerful vignettes that push back on the cultural noise of “they say.” Together they explore why curiosity flourishes outdoors, how simple road trips can reshape a family, and what happens when you pause before accepting the scripts the world hands you. This episode invites you to resist the pressure to constantly perform, produce, and conform—and instead make small rebellions that open up bigger life. Through stories of aging, comparison, cubicles, canyons, and creativity, Anna and Ginny show how the questions that matter most can't be Googled but must be lived. Explore more of Anna's work here A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.  BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you're looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Capstone Wellness - For over 24 years, Capstone has helped thousands of families on their path to healing. Learn more at  capstonewellness.com/1000hours  NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Wayfair - Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.  Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Most of us listen to music every day—but what if it could do more than just fill the silence? In this powerful conversation with father–daughter duo Mort and Sara Sherman, authors of Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music One Note at a Time, we explore how music shapes brains, bonds families, and even heals communities. From lowering stress and strengthening executive function to synchronizing our brainwaves with others, music is not just entertainment—it's a tool for resilience, connection, and joy. They dive into how families can bring intention to their musical lives: building playlists for focus and calm, using rhythm to spark creativity, and transforming ordinary days into memory-rich experiences. Whether you're a lifelong musician or someone who simply hums in the car, this episode will inspire you to see music—and parenting—in a whole new light. Get their inspiring book here A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.  BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you're looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Cozy Earth - Upgrade your summer sleep at www.cozyearth.com and use code OUTSIDE for 40% off their best-selling sheets, loungewear, and more. Lagoon - Go to LagoonSleep.com/OUTSIDE and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.Use the code OUTSIDE for 15% off your first purchase Brave Books - Right now, you can get 20% off your first purchase at www.BRAVEBooks.com/1000hours with the code 1000HOURS. COSMO - Right now, COSMO is running an amazing back-to-school deal, plus free shipping and a risk-free 30-day guarantee. Head to www.cosmotogether.com/1KHO  to grab one today. NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55  and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Melanie Hempe's oldest son became so addicted to video games that he dropped out of college, she realized she had unknowingly handed her child an experiment with devastating consequences. What began as “just middle school gaming” escalated into an all-consuming addiction that stole years of real life, purpose, and potential. Out of that heartbreak came ScreenStrong—a movement to help parents break free from the myths that screens are harmless fun, and to give families tools to protect childhood, rebuild connection, and raise kids who are confident, creative, and truly alive. In this gripping and hope-filled conversation, Melanie joins me to expose the hidden costs of excessive gaming and social media use, from conformity and loneliness to wasted potential and fractured family bonds. More importantly, she offers a roadmap out—practical strategies, proven resources, and a reminder that it's not too late to reroute your child's story. If you've ever felt uneasy about the role of screens in your home, this episode will give you both the courage and the clarity to choose differently. Get your copy of Kids' Brains and Screens Home Edition ⁠here⁠ Get your copy of The Adventures of Super Brain ⁠here⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you raise kids without smartphones, video games, or social media in a world where nearly everyone else is plugged in? Twins Andrew and Evan Hempe are living proof that screen-free childhoods don't leave kids behind—they launch them ahead. In this powerful and refreshing episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich welcomes Andrew and Evan to share their firsthand experience growing up differently—and why it gave them the confidence, creativity, and connection so many of their peers are missing. From conversations about dating in the digital age to battling conformity with humor and real hobbies, these 21-year-olds deliver truth with clarity and heart. They also expose the myth of the “binge gamer,” give parents permission to follow their gut, and make the case that raising screen-free kids isn't just possible—it's better. This episode is a must-listen for every parent wondering if the effort is worth it. It is. You'll walk away inspired, equipped, and ready to raise originals in a culture that desperately needs them. Get your copy of Kids' Brains and Screens Home Edition here Get your copy of The Adventures of Super Brain here *** A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.  BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you're looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Cozy Earth - Upgrade your summer sleep at www.cozyearth.com and use code OUTSIDE for 40% off their best-selling sheets, loungewear, and more. Lagoon - Go to LagoonSleep.com/OUTSIDE and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.Use the code OUTSIDE for 15% off your first purchase Brave Books - Right now, you can get 20% off your first purchase at www.BRAVEBooks.com/1000hours with the code 1000HOURS. COSMO - Right now, COSMO is running an amazing back-to-school deal, plus free shipping and a risk-free 30-day guarantee. Head to www.cosmotogether.com/1KHO  to grab one today. NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55  and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this radically honest and thought-provoking episode, Andrew Laubacher (aka ALob) returns to share the life-altering decision that changed everything: stepping away from the platforms designed to keep us addicted and unhappy. From addiction and burnout to healing and purpose, Andrew opens up about the crushing weight of social comparison, the lies of digital liberation, the trappings of pornography, and how seven days without a mirror in the woods revealed more about his worth than seven years online ever could. Now the executive director of Humanality, Andrew is leading a global movement to restore our humanity. Humanality offers tools, courses, and community for those ready to live differently. Together with host Ginny Yurich, they unpack what it means to opt out. If you've ever felt your soul is slowly being scrolled away, this conversation is a wake-up call and a way forward.

What if the key to parenting isn't molding your child into a smaller version of you—but learning to truly see them for who they are? In this deeply moving conversation, Ian Morgan Cron, bestselling author of The Road Back To You, returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to talk about the Enneagram, emotional self-awareness, and how these insights transform the way we parent, love, and lead. Ian shares how understanding the “shadow side” of our personalities can unlock healthier relationships, save marriages, and most importantly, help us raise children with compassion rather than control. From hilarious stories about streaking in high school to powerful reflections on his mother's larger-than-life presence, Ian's wisdom is as entertaining as it is practical. Together we explore how to pay attention, set boundaries, and embrace the unique wiring of the kids right in front of us. This is a conversation that will leave you laughing, reflecting, and rethinking what it really means to raise emotionally healthy kids in today's world. Get your copy of The Road Back To You here Get your copy of The Fix here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if Mondays became the best day of your week? That's exactly what happened when Beth Barth launched the Girls Adventure Club—a group that's taken families from scuba diving in pools to kayaking the Apostle Islands, from hike-sledding in the snow to trapeze lessons under the sky. In her podcast debut, Beth shares how a simple idea turned into a vibrant community where moms and daughters connect, inspire, and explore together—and how you can do the same where you live. This episode is a guide for parents who want their kids off screens, building friendships, and experiencing real adventure—without breaking the bank. From budget-friendly tips to practical leadership strategies, Beth proves that adventure can be as simple as a toe-dip or as grand as a world-schooling trip. Don't wait for the perfect moment—say yes, go, and watch your kids light up. Learn more about the Girls Adventure Club here Purchase the Adventure Club Leadership Guide here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when an entire generation grows up micromanaged, chauffeured, and monitored as if childhood itself were a dangerous crime? In one of the most eye-opening and hilarious episodes of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Lenore Skenazy — author of Free-Range Kids and co-founder of Let Grow — joins Ginny Yurich to expose the absurdity of today's fear-based parenting culture. With razor-sharp wit and decades of cultural insight, she dismantles the myths that keep parents locked in anxiety and kids locked out of real life. From Halloween candy scares to daycare workers logging every bathroom break, Lenore reveals how fear has crept into every corner of childhood — and why it's robbing our kids of resilience, joy, and independence. But this isn't just cultural critique — it's a blueprint for freedom. Lenore shares why worrying is just a false form of control, why exposure to reality (not more rules) is the cure for parental anxiety, and why unstructured play may be the most important “classroom” of all. Packed with humor, wisdom, and unforgettable one-liners, this conversation challenges parents to step out of the fear stew and give their kids back what they're desperate for: agency, trust, and the chance to grow. If you've ever felt torn between protecting your kids and preparing them for the real world, this episode is your wake-up call — and possibly the permission slip you've been waiting for. Learn more about Let Grow and all they have to offer here Get your copy of Free Range Kids here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to reclaiming our health isn't in a pill bottle, but beneath our feet? In this thought-provoking conversation, Ginny Yurich sits down with David Montgomery and Anne Biklé—renowned authors of The Hidden Half of Nature and What Your Food Ate—to uncover the forgotten connection between soil, farming, and human well-being. Together they reveal why most farmland is “sick,” why pesticides often create more pests instead of fewer, and how earthworms, microbiomes, and even flavor itself hold the blueprint for restoring vitality to our food and our bodies. This episode isn't just about farming—it's about us. From the hidden costs of hydroponics to the way ultra-processed foods hijack our natural “body wisdom,” Montgomery and Biklé show how what we eat is inseparably tied to how it was grown. Their message is both sobering and hopeful: if we change the way we treat the land, we can change the way we feel. Packed with science, story, and practical solutions, this conversation will change the way you see every bite of food—and remind you that giving nature even half a chance changes everything. Get your copy of What Your Food Ate here Get your copy of The Hidden Half of Nature here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you've been taught about success, work, and happiness is incomplete? In this powerful conversation, Harvard professor and bestselling author Arthur Brooks joins Ginny Yurich on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to share the science of happiness—and why every parent needs to hear it. With warmth, humor, and groundbreaking research, Brooks reveals why retirement shouldn't be the goal, why conflict in families is a sign of abundant love, and why your kids are shaped far more by what they see you do than by what you say. His insights on the four pillars of happiness—faith, family, friendship, and work—will challenge cultural myths and leave you rethinking the way you parent and the way you live. From the dignity of work to the difference between “deal” friends and “real” friends, Brooks offers a blueprint for building a life of deeper meaning. You'll hear surprising truths about money (hint: buying experiences beats buying stuff), why falling in love is the most entrepreneurial act you'll ever take, and how beauty and nature reawaken parts of our brain that modern life neglects. If you've ever wondered how to raise kids who thrive—and how to find more joy yourself—this episode is full of practical wisdom and hope. Get your copy of The Happiness Files here Don't miss From Strength to Strength! Get it here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four years ago, Dr. Chris Winter—the world's “Sleep Whisperer” and author of The Rested Child —became the very first guest on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast. The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast. That one conversation sparked a journey that's now reached 550 episodes and over 12 million downloads. In this milestone episode, Dr. Winter returns to share why screens, light, and temperature may be quietly sabotaging your family's sleep—and how surprisingly simple changes can transform both rest and mood. With practical, often ingenious tips (think: lightbulb swaps, dimmer switches, and even warming a bed with water bottles), this episode will leave you feeling empowered to help your kids and yourself sleep better starting tonight. From the lost “time cues” of old TV schedules to the role of heavy work in preparing the body for deep rest, Dr. Winter reveals fascinating insights you won't hear anywhere else. He explains why the average pediatrician gets only an hour of sleep training, why excessive sleepiness in kids is often misdiagnosed, and why he believes no child should be labeled with depression or attention issues without a sleep evaluation. Whether you're a sleep science geek or a tired parent desperate for solutions, this full-circle conversation will leave you both nostalgic and newly equipped for the school year ahead.

Most people think school readiness means knowing letters, numbers, and how to sit still—but what if those are the outcomes, not the foundations? In this powerful episode, pediatric physical therapist and founder of Tots on Target, Dr. Allison Mell, reveals the “hidden” developmental milestones that set kids up for academic and social success—things like crawling, balance, crossing the midline, and even clapping games. These early motor and sensory experiences—often displaced by screens—are how the body feeds the brain. When kids skip them, it shows up in surprising ways: struggling with handwriting, falling out of chairs, or bouncing off friends in circle time. Allison and Ginny explore why these physical milestones matter so deeply and what parents can do—at any age—to help kids thrive. You'll leave this episode with practical strategies, renewed confidence, and a deeper understanding of how movement builds strong, capable learners. Whether your child is just learning to crawl or heading into middle school, this conversation is your blueprint for supporting natural development in a world that's rushing childhood.

In this urgent and eye-opening episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich sits down with Matt Britton, a pioneering voice in AI and author of Generation AI, to unravel what the rapid rise of artificial intelligence truly means for parents and the future of childhood. Matt reveals why memorization and traditional education models are becoming obsolete, and how creativity—the uniquely human skill that no AI can replicate—will be the currency of tomorrow's workforce. As AI reshapes every facet of our lives, this conversation offers critical insight into how parents can nurture resilience, imagination, and real-world problem-solving skills in their children before the AI wave changes everything. From the promise of AI-powered “second brains” to the risks of digital loneliness and emotional dependency on chatbots, Matt and Ginny explore the paradox of embracing technology while fiercely protecting human connection and creativity. This episode is a must-listen for any parent who wants to prepare their children not just to survive—but to thrive—in a world where 85% of jobs in 2030 don't even exist today. Tune in for a thoughtful, hopeful, and practical roadmap to parenting in the Age of AI. Get your copy of Generation AI here Learn more about Matt and all he has to offer here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Youth sports have evolved from casual neighborhood games to a multi-billion-dollar industry where kids are often treated as commodities. In this episode, Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, delve into how today's sports culture is pressuring kids to perform rather than enjoy play. They reflect on the rise of elite programs, the loss of amateurism, and the overwhelming influence of money on what was once a simple, joyful part of childhood. With raw honesty, they discuss the impact of this commercialization on kids' mental health, relationships, and desire to continue participating in sports. As parents, we are often caught in a cycle of pushing our kids to be the best, sometimes at the expense of their happiness and self-worth. Brian and Ed share the “silent killer” of kids' love for sports— the dreaded car ride home after the game, where criticism often replaces celebration. They discuss why it's crucial to shift the focus from winning at all costs to fostering character, emotional resilience, and healthy self-expression. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about reclaiming joy, the importance of play, and how we, as parents, can break free from the youth sports industrial complex to allow our children to truly thrive. Get your copy of Away Game here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this eye-opening episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Dr. Madeline Levine, one of the leading voices in parenting, returns for her second appearance to share vital insights on how anxiety is stunting both children and parents in today's fast-paced world. From hyper-parenting to the pursuit of perfection, Dr. Levine explores the damage done when we allow our own worries to dictate how we parent, urging us to embrace a long-term view on success. With over 45 years of experience in child development, she offers invaluable wisdom on how play, emotional intelligence, and resilience should take precedence over grades and accolades. As she puts it, “Healthy development takes more than high grades,” and “Kids are entitled to a childhood.” Dr. Levine emphasizes the crucial role parents play in fostering autonomy in their children—ultimately creating a sense of security and self-reliance that can only come from a thriving home environment. She champions the idea that enthusiasm, creativity, and a rich sense of purpose in parents are key to raising resilient, well-rounded kids. Parents, she reminds us, are entitled to a life of their own, and when they model a thriving, well-balanced existence, their children are empowered to do the same. This episode is a powerful call to shift our focus from external pressures to what really matters: the health, happiness, and well-being of our families in an uncertain world. Get your copy of Teach Your Children Well here Get your copy of Ready or Not here Get your copy of The Price of Privilege here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Tara Sun, author of Overbooked and Overwhelmed, shares her raw, real experience navigating the chaos of modern life. Tara's story resonates with anyone who's felt the pressure of saying "yes" to everything and how it often leads to burnout and overwhelm. She reflects on the importance of saying "no" without guilt, learning that each "yes" means saying no to something else—whether it's family time, personal rest, or sanity. Tara dives into the concept of limitations being liberating, and how the pressure to keep up with hustle culture often leaves us with little space to breathe or connect with what truly matters. With a focus on reclaiming space for what's important, Tara offers practical wisdom on how to slow down in a world that encourages constant busyness. From learning to rest in God's presence to battling social media comparison, this conversation is an empowering call to reconsider how we prioritize our time. For anyone trying to juggle life's many demands while staying grounded, this episode is for you. Tara's vulnerability and insight remind us all that we don't have to do it all—and that sometimes, saying "no" is the most powerful choice we can make. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, a favorite guest Heather Thompson Day returns for her second conversation, diving into the tough realities of childhood bullying and how we can protect our children from harm. Drawing from her own experiences, Heather discusses the impact of exclusion, the importance of empathy, and how the brand-new children's book she wrote with her daughter London called Can I Sit Here?, is helping kids understand and process loneliness and bullying. Heather also shares a unique practice she's used to track God's faithfulness, reinforcing the power of resilience and gratitude in challenging times. This episode is a reminder that as parents, we must recognize the gravity of our children's emotional struggles and step in to guide them. It's about teaching them to stand up for themselves and others, while also showing them how to be the kind of friend who sees and supports others in need. Heather offers not just stories, but actionable insights that will resonate with any parent navigating the complexities of childhood today. Get your copy of Can I Sit Here? for you and friends here Check out Kim John Payne's book Emotionally Resilient Teens and Tweens here A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.  BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you're looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Cozy Earth - Upgrade your summer sleep at www.cozyearth.com and use code OUTSIDE for 40% off their best-selling sheets, loungewear, and more. Lagoon - Go to LagoonSleep.com/OUTSIDE and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.Use the code OUTSIDE for 15% off your first purchase Brave Books - Right now, you can get 20% off your first purchase at www.BRAVEBooks.com/1000hours with the code 1000HOURS. COSMO - Right now, COSMO is running an amazing back-to-school deal, plus free shipping and a risk-free 30-day guarantee. Head to www.cosmotogether.com/1KHO  to grab one today. NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices