1000 Hours Outsides podcast

We spend so much time learning how to work, achieve, optimize, and produce that many of us have forgotten how to simply enjoy being alive. In this thought-provoking conversation, Luke Burgis explains why leisure isn't a reward for getting everything done. It's a skill that has to be practiced. Together we explore the tension between belonging and individuality, why technology makes it harder to know what we truly want, the disappearance of rites of passage, and what it takes to raise kids who can think for themselves in a world full of noise and influence. More than anything, this episode is an invitation to resist being swept along by the crowd and to become the kind of person who knows why they believe what they believe. Learn more about Luke and all he has to offer here Get your copy of The One and the Ninety-Nine and Wanting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us wake up feeling behind before our feet hit the floor. Jordan Raynor joins Ginny Yurich for a conversation that cuts straight through the pressure, hurry, and low-grade anxiety so many of us carry every day. They talk about why work matters to God, why Jesus may be the most practical productivity teacher who ever lived, and how our obsession with being constantly available is making us less present with the people we love most. Jordan shares life-changing ideas about open loops, boredom, sleep, walking, creativity, news consumption, and the surprising freedom that comes from realizing you will never finish everything on your list. This episode is a reminder that peace comes before productivity, that your value is not tied to your output, and that God never asked you to carry the weight of the whole world. LINKS: ⁠Redeeming Your Time⁠ The Spirit in You Jordan Raynor: jordanraynor.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many of us are preparing for disaster while life is happening right in front of us. In this beautiful conversation, Nicole Zasowski shares how years of loss, infertility, and heartbreak taught her something unexpected: joy isn't something you stumble into after everything works out. It's something you practice. We talk about why kids celebrate so naturally, why adults often lose that ability, how play helps break the grip of performance and productivity, and why noticing beauty outdoors might be one of the simplest ways to change your life. This episode is a reminder that today is worth celebrating, even if it isn't perfect. Learn more about Nicole and all she has to offer here Get your copy of What If It's Wonderful? here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us know we feel better outside, but few of us realize just how much of our biology depends on it. In this fascinating conversation, Dr. John La Puma shares the science behind what he calls the "indoor epidemic" and explains why morning sunlight, natural sound, green spaces, distance viewing, forest bathing, and even gardening are biological necessities. From better sleep and sharper focus to stronger immunity and healthier aging, this episode reveals how modern indoor living is reshaping our bodies and what we can do to reverse it. If you've ever wondered why a walk outside can change your entire day, this conversation will leave you looking at the natural world with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of hope. Learn more about Dr. John La Puma and his book Indoor Epidemic at drjohnlapuma.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this eye-opening conversation, journalist and bestselling author Karen Hao pulls back the curtain on the AI race, revealing the hidden human, environmental, and economic consequences behind the technologies reshaping our world. Drawing from years of reporting and hundreds of interviews, Karen explores who holds the power, who pays the price, and why the story of artificial intelligence is ultimately a story about people. This episode will challenge assumptions, spark important conversations, and leave you thinking differently about progress, ambition, and what kind of future we actually want to create. Get your copy of NY Times Bestseller The Empire of AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most meaningful lives aren't built on endless options. They're built on the courage to choose. In this conversation, Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson and former NFL player Andrew East share why commitment has become one of the most misunderstood ideas of our time and why the things we want most like joy, calm, mastery, deep relationships, thriving families, and meaningful work are found on the other side of sticking with something long enough to see what it can become. From marriage and parenting to athletics, business, and life beyond the spotlight, Shawn and Andrew offer a refreshing countercultural message for anyone feeling distracted, discouraged, or tempted to start over. This is a conversation about choosing depth over options, purpose over pressure, and believing that the life you want is worth building one committed day at a time. You're gonna love it!!! Get your copy of The Courage to Commit here Listen to The Couple Things Podcast Check out Andrew and Shawn's YouTube channel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are millions of people walking around looking perfectly fine while fighting battles no one can see. In this deeply validating conversation, Amy Kurtz joins Ginny Yurich to talk about chronic illness, medical gaslighting, invisible suffering, and the surprising challenges that can remain even after your body starts to heal. After spending more than a decade searching for answers and eventually being diagnosed with late-stage neurological Lyme disease, Amy realized that recovery isn't always the end of the story. She shares the concept she coined Medical Trauma Brain and explains why so many people remain stuck in fear, hypervigilance, grief, and survival mode long after the crisis has passed. This episode is full of hope, practical tools, and powerful reminders that healing involves more than the body. If you've ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or trapped on a hamster wheel of desperation, this conversation will make you feel seen. Links:Amy Kurtz: https://www.amykurtz.comBook: But You Look Fine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Something has shifted in childhood, and most parents can feel it. In this fascinating conversation, pediatric speech-language pathologist and Eat, Play, Say founder Jordyn Koveleski Gorman joins Ginny Yurich to talk about why childhood keeps getting pushed faster, why play is far more important than most people realize, and what we've lost in the move from half-day kindergarten to full-day academics. They discuss executive function, outdoor play, friendship, loneliness in motherhood, social media pressure, and why children learn best when they have space to explore the world around them. If you've ever worried that your child is falling behind, wondered whether you're doing enough, or simply needed permission to slow down and trust the process, listen in!! You'll be reminded that sometimes the most important work of childhood looks a lot like play. Links:Eat Play Say: https://eatplaysay.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatplaysay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Never have human beings owned as much as we do today and so many of us feel overwhelmed, distracted, anxious, and stretched thin. In this powerful return conversation, Joshua Becker joins Ginny Yurich to explore why the pursuit of more often leaves us with less of what matters most. Drawing from his book Uncluttered Faith, Joshua shares how owning less can lead to deeper relationships, stronger faith, greater generosity, more time with the people you love, and a life marked by purpose instead of accumulation. From four televisions becoming one to discovering that the things we chase rarely deliver what they promise, this episode is an invitation to step off the treadmill of consumerism and reclaim the life waiting on the other side. Learn more at https://www.becomingminimalist.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most needed parts of childhood are disappearing right in front of us, and former school principal Mandy Davis believes parents need to pay attention. In her second appearance on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Mandy shares why she walked away from a career in education, what finally convinced her to homeschool her own children, and why so many parents have been taught to trust institutions more than themselves. Ginny and Mandy talk about the myths surrounding homeschooling, the surprising freedom that comes from building an education around a real child instead of a system, and why confidence (not credentials) is often the missing ingredient. Whether you're homeschooling, considering it, or simply wondering if there might be a better way to support your child's growth, this conversation is a powerful reminder that nobody knows your child better than you do. Find Mandy at Home Built Education and get your copy of The Homeschool Bible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The things we hide have a way of holding us captive. In this deeply moving conversation, therapist and author Michael John Cusick joins Ginny Yurich to explore why so many of us keep spinning in the same patterns, whether it's addiction, anxiety, shame, people-pleasing, overwork, or simply feeling disconnected from ourselves and the people we love most. Drawing from his own story of childhood trauma, recovery, faith, and healing, Michael shares why lasting change isn't found in trying harder but in being truly known. They discuss attachment, parenting, embodiment, faith, relationships, and the four things every human being needs from womb to tomb: to be seen, soothed, safe, and secure. This is a conversation about wholeness, freedom, and the surprising truth that healing often begins the moment we stop hiding. Links: ⁠Sacred Attachment book⁠ ⁠Restoring the Soul Podcast⁠ Michael John Cusick: https://michaeljohncusick.com Restoring the Soul: https://restoringthesoul.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every child wants friendship, freedom, and fun. The question is where they'll find it. Catherine Price returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to talk about her new book The Amazing Generation, written with Jonathan Haidt, and why more young people are starting to question the role screens play in their lives. In this conversation, Catherine explains how tech companies compete for our attention, why so many older teens say they wish they had spent less time online, and what happens when children are given the tools to think for themselves. They discuss real friendship versus digital connection, the growing rebellion against constant screen use, the importance of boredom, hobbies, and outdoor play, and one powerful question every family should ask: If you had three extra hours every day, what would you do with them? This episode will leave you thinking differently about technology, childhood, and the person you're becoming. Links: Catherine Price: https://catherineprice.comThe Amazing Generation: https://www.amazinggeneration.comFamily Guide: https://catherineprice.com/family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At seven years old, Suzanne Heywood left home for what was supposed to be a three-year sailing adventure around the world. She wouldn't return for ten years. In this extraordinary conversation, Suzanne joins Ginny Yurich to share the true story behind her bestselling memoir Wavewalker - a childhood spent crossing oceans, surviving shipwrecks, enduring hunger and isolation, and slowly realizing she was trapped inside someone else's dream. With no school, no stability, and few adults willing to step in, Suzanne became determined to educate herself as a way out. This is a story about resilience, grit, and the life-changing impact of ordinary people who show up at exactly the right moment. It's also a powerful reminder that children are not supporting characters in their parents' stories. This episode will entertain you and stay with you. Learn more about Suzanne Heywood and Wavewalker: A Memoir of Breaking Free at suzanneheywood.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are drowning in advice and somehow more unsure of ourselves than ever. Austin Kleon returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to talk about creativity, childhood, boredom, trust, and why the people who build meaningful lives often stop looking for instructions and start paying attention to what fascinates them. Drawing from his new book Don't Call It Art, Austin shares how his children taught him more about curiosity, imagination, and meaningful work than any creative writing class ever could. Ginny and Austin talk about John Holt, unschooling, screen culture, creative courage, and the surprising freedom that comes when you stop trying to control the future and start paying attention to what is right in front of you. This episode is a refreshing reminder that a fulfilling life is rarely built by following someone else's map. It grows from curiosity, wonder, and the willingness to see where the next step leads. Get your copy of Don't Call it Art here ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One conversation can change the direction of a life. Ainsley Earhardt joins Ginny Yurich to share the unlikely path that took her from a South Carolina girl who almost became an orthodontist to one of the most recognizable faces in television. Along the way, she talks about the teachers who shaped her, the risks she took, the doors that closed, the prayers that were answered, and the seasons when she had no choice but to trust that God was still writing the story. This is a conversation about calling, perseverance, childhood wonder, faith in the waiting, and why the life you imagined at 18 is often not the life you were meant to live. Ainsley also shares stories from her newest children's book, America, I'm So Glad You Were Born, and reflects on the people, places, and moments that helped make her who she is today. Buy your copy of America, I'm So Glad You Were Born here !! Check out The Light Within Me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Timmons joins Ginny Yurich for a deeply honest conversation about grief, cancer, friendship, faith, parenting, and what happens when life turns out nothing like you planned. Given just five years to live more than two decades ago, Tim shares how sorrow reshaped his understanding of God, why he stopped trying to force doors open, and how he learned to trust in the places where he could do nothing at all. From the heartbreak of his parents' divorce to raising four children while living with an incurable illness, this episode is full of wisdom, laughter, and the kind of hope that has been tested by real life. If you've ever wondered how to keep going when the valley feels long, this conversation is for you. Links:Instagram: @timtimmonsmusicBook: Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief and GratitudePodcast: 10,000 MinutesMovie: I Can Only Imagine 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Hawkins has spent 25 years making audiences laugh, but this conversation goes far beyond comedy. Ginny and Tim walk through two decades of songs, videos, homeschooling adventures, family life, and the unexpected twists that shaped his career. Along the way, Tim shares the story behind some of his most beloved parodies, what nearly cost him his marriage, the process of slowing down some, and what it feels like to have his grown children working alongside him today. This episode is a reminder that the best parts of life aren't the things that go viral, they're the people who are still there when the lights come down. Links:TimHawkins.netYouTube: @TimHawkinsComedyInstagram: @timhawkinscomicWatch Fist Bump on Amazon Prime Video Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jane Magnusson joins Ginny Yurich for a conversation about the unexpected freedom that comes from letting go. After her mother Margareta Magnusson wrote The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning at age 87, the idea spread across the world because it touched something people rarely talk about: what we leave behind for the people we love. Jane shares stories about her mother's humor, honesty, and determination not to leave her children with garages full of stuff, difficult decisions, and unnecessary stress after she was gone. They talk about clutter, aging, family relationships, childhood in Sweden, running barefoot through gardens and lakeside summers, and why living with less can actually make life feel fuller. This episode feels like sitting across the table from someone wise enough to remind you that time is precious and people matter more than possessions. Learn more about all of Margareta's books here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ginny Yurich sits down with pastor, author, and podcast host JP Pokluda for one of the most practical and unexpectedly hopeful conversations parents of teens and young adults need to hear right now. JP shares the story of graduating college completely lost, chasing relationships, parties, and approval, only to discover that real fulfillment looked nothing like what culture promised. Together they talk about modern dating, loneliness, work, anxiety, social media, friendships, marriage, purpose, faith, and why so many young adults feel overwhelmed by adulthood itself. JP talks honestly about the confusion so many young adults feel after high school and college, why modern dating is exhausting, why work matters more than people think, and what actually helps people build a meaningful life. From “follow your passion” culture to hookup culture to the pressure of figuring out your entire future at eighteen, JP offers a grounded, deeply refreshing perspective. Get your copy of Welcome to Adulting here Get your copy of Outdated here Check out JP's podcast Becoming Something Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leah Marone joins Ginny Yurich for a conversation that will hit hard for anyone who feels responsible for everyone else's emotions, problems, schedules, or happiness. They talk about the hidden exhaustion of being the “strong one,” why so many empathetic people end up burned out and resentful, and how constantly fixing things for others can quietly rob both you and your children of growth, resilience, and connection. Leah explains the difference between supporting and solving, why pauses matter more than we think, and how even small habits like checking your phone every spare second can keep you disconnected from yourself. This episode is full of practical wisdom for parents, helpers, high achievers, and anyone who is tired of carrying more than they were meant to carry. Get your copy of Serial Fixer here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Steven Storage spends his days looking directly at the brain scans of children, teens, and adults and what he's seeing should change the way all of us think about screens, food, sleep, anxiety, ADHD, addiction, and modern childhood. In this fascinating conversation with Ginny Yurich, he explains why mental health is brain health, how two kids can have the same ADHD symptoms but completely different brains underneath, why short-form content and processed foods are affecting kids more than most people realize, and what parents can actually do to help. They talk about dopamine, social media, motivation, depression, brain inflammation, cannabis, exercise, sleep, and why so many families feel like they're barely holding on right now. This episode is full of practical hope and the kind of information that makes you want to protect your child's brain with everything you've got. Follow Dr. Steven Storage:InstagramAmen Clinics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ginny sits down with decluttering expert and Maximized Minimalist host Katy Wells for a conversation that goes far deeper than organizing bins and cleaning counters. After a traumatic car accident changed everything for her family, Katy realized her home was demanding energy she no longer had to give and that clutter was shaping the way she showed up as a wife, mom, and person. This episode explores the hidden emotional weight of our stuff, why women's cortisol levels rise in cluttered homes, how busyness can become a shield from harder things, and why simplifying your environment can change your relationships, your parenting, and even your sense of self. It's practical, honest, and full of small shifts that can help your home start supporting you instead of draining you. Find Katy Wells at KatyJoyWells.com, listen to The Maximized Minimalist Podcast and get your copy of Making Your Home a Happy Place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie C. Martin has spent her life helping families see the world differently, and this conversation will make you want to grab a stack of books, head outside, and rethink what childhood can look like. From international adoption and homeschooling to introversion, friendship, special needs parenting, and raising a son who now tours with Katy Perry at age 21, Jamie shares the kind of hard-earned wisdom that feels both grounding and deeply hopeful. This episode is full of encouragement for moms who wonder if they're doing enough, if their kids will turn out okay, and if there's still room to build a meaningful family culture in a loud and distracted world. You'll walk away wanting to read more, slow down more, trust yourself more, and remember that the small things you're doing every day matter far more than you think. Learn more about Jamie and all she has to offer here Check out https://simplehomeschool.net/ Check our Jamie's podcast Get your copy of Introverted Mom here Get your copy of Give Your Child the World here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Somewhere between the fear, the questions, the budget concerns, and the overwhelming feeling of “I could never do this,” thousands of ordinary moms are quietly building beautiful lives with their kids at home. In this deeply encouraging conversation, Annette Vaughn shares the story behind Dear Homeschool Mom, a collection of letters from more than 50 homeschool mothers across the country who open up about doubt, sacrifice, socialization, burnout, identity, flexibility, and the surprising joy that keeps them going. Ginny and Annette talk honestly about what homeschooling actually looks like in real life, why the “why” matters so much, and how the sacrifices on paper often become gifts you never could have predicted. This episode feels like sitting across the table from someone who says, “You're not crazy. You can do this.” Learn more about Annette's book Dear Homeschool Mom here and the HSLDA Compassion Grant at HSLDA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gabriela Nguyen grew up in Silicon Valley, got her first iPod Touch at nine, her first iPhone at thirteen, and eventually realized the very technology that promised connection was slowly becoming the center of gravity of her life. In this fascinating and deeply important conversation, Gabriela explains what it actually feels like to grow up online, from the pressure of maintaining a public image as a teenager to the exhausting social games hidden inside Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and more. She shares why Gen Z is leading the resistance against addictive technology, why “screen time limits” miss the bigger picture, and how rebuilding a meaningful life starts by slowing down, strengthening real relationships, and returning to a more human pace. This episode will leave parents, teens, and anyone overwhelmed by modern life thinking differently about attention, friendship, and what it means to truly be present. Links:Appstinence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ginny Yurich sits down with Dr. Sina McCullough for one of the most eye-opening conversations we've had on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast. Sina shares how a devastating health collapse led her from a PhD in nutrition to questioning everything she thought she knew about the American food system. Together they unpack why ultra-processed food is so cheap, how the farm bill reshaped the modern grocery store, and what's really happening with gene-edited foods, pharmaceutical crops, CRISPR technology, and the hidden chemicals most families never even realize they're consuming. But this episode is not rooted in fear. It's about remembering that our daily choices still matter, that real food can help the body heal, and that ordinary people have more power than they've been led to believe. This conversation will make you look at your pantry, your plate, and your family's future differently. Sign up for the Two Days of Truth here Check out Dr. Sina McCullough's new book: Hands Off My FoodCheck out the Beyond Labels podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything your kids are going to face next is changing faster than we can keep up, and this conversation with Jenny Anderson will change how you think about school, motivation, and what actually matters. On this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich talks with the author of The Disengaged Teen about the silent crisis happening right in front of us: kids who look fine on paper but feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or checked out entirely. Drawing from research on 65,000 students, Jenny explains why engagement drops off a cliff by high school, how Silicon Valley is winning your child's attention, and why even high-achieving kids are at risk. This is a practical, eye-opening conversation about helping kids move from apathy or pressure into curiosity, resilience, and real-world capability, and it starts with how we show up as adults. Learn more about Jenny and all she has to offer here Check out Jenny's How to Be Brave substack here Learn more about The Disengaged Teen book here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people aren't stuck because they aren't trying hard enough. They're stuck because they're missing something they can't see. In this conversation, Dr. Henry Cloud explains why some people move forward and others stay right where they are, even when they're talented and working hard. After decades of working with high performers, he has seen the same pattern show up again and again. There are a few key elements that have to be in place, and when even one is missing, things stall out. What stood out most to me was this idea that belief comes first. Not hype or motivation, but a real, grounded belief that what you want is actually possible. From there it becomes about getting the right people around you, building a plan that makes sense, and staying on track in a way that actually works in real life. This applies to everything. Your work, your family, your health, your kids. It is simple, but not shallow. This one will stick with you. Learn more about Dr. Cloud and everything he offers here Get your copy of Your Desired Future here Check out Lucy Cloud's music here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This conversation will make you want to grab a book and call your kids closer. Meghan Cox Gurdon, author of The Enchanted Hour, explains why reading aloud is one of the most powerful things a parent can do, even though it looks so simple on the surface. It builds language, strengthens attention, and creates a kind of connection that is hard to find anywhere else. Ginny Yurich and Meghan talk about the real-life rhythm of it, the end-of-day pile-on-the-couch moments, the science behind what is happening in a child's brain, and why this matters just as much for teens as it does for little kids. There is no pressure to do it perfectly, just an invitation to start and to keep going. Preorder your copy of Free-Range Girl here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It starts with biscuits on a fire and ends with a completely different kind of childhood. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with Justin Jackson of Horse Pen Ranch to talk about something surprisingly powerful: cooking outside. What begins as a simple Dutch oven on a backyard fire turns into connection, confidence, skill-building, and memories that actually last. Justin shares how his love for outdoor cooking grew from childhood to chuck wagon life at Silver Dollar City, why kids are naturally drawn to making something with their hands, and how this one habit can pull families out of screens and back into real life together. This is practical and doable with no expertise required, just a willingness to try. If you've been looking for a way to get your kids outside that actually works, this might be it. Get your outdoor cooking started at www.youtube.com/@HorsePenRanch Meet Justin Jackson in person during Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean—alone—but this story starts long before the boat. In this unforgettable conversation, Taryn Smith shares how one small decision to step off the expected path turned into a life marked by courage, curiosity, and a deep trust in where adventure can lead. From a yurt trip in the mountains to working seasons in wild places, to saying yes to something she had never done before, Taryn's story is a powerful reminder that life opens up when we stop racing toward the “right” next step and start listening to what makes us feel alive. She talks about fear, solitude, resilience, and the surprising joy found in doing hard things plus what it actually takes to raise kids who are willing to take risks and explore the world. This episode will make you rethink timelines, rethink safety, and maybe even rethink what's possible for your own life. Enjoy and learn more about Taryn and all she has to offer at https://www.tarynsmithmovement.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He built a wildly successful career and nearly lost everything that mattered most along the way. In this powerful conversation, Michael Hyatt shares the moment his wife told him she felt like a single mom, the wake-up call that changed everything, and the framework he's spent decades refining to help people succeed without sacrificing their health, their families, or their souls. From the “rule of 50” to time boundaries, from the myth of having enough hours to the truth about what actually moves life forward, this episode is full of hard-won wisdom and practical shifts you can start today. It's about reclaiming your time, remembering your why, and building a life where your best energy goes to the people who matter most. Check out all that Michael has to offer at https://fullfocus.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This conversation will change how you see almost every frustrating moment in your day because it shows you what's actually happening underneath it. Dr. Kelly Flanagan explains the exact moment your heart closes, why small things feel so big, and how quickly disconnection takes over in marriage, parenting, and everyday life. Once you see it, you can't unsee it and you don't need anyone else to change for it to start working. This gives you a clear, practical way to shift from reacting to connecting, right in the middle of real life. Ginny calls Kelly's book the most life-changing book she's read! Get your copy of The Road Less Triggered here ** A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  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 IXL Learning - Head to www.ixl.com/1000hours to get an exclusive 20% savings on your membership Whisker - Take care of your cats while taking an additional $50 off bundles with code 1000HOURS when you shop www.whisker.com/1000HOURS  Skylight - Right now, Skylight calendar is offering our listeners $30 off their 15-inch calendar when you go to wwwlMySkylight.com/1000Hours  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one is as big as it gets. Three of the Dude Perfect guys (Tyler, Coby, and Garrett) join the show, and underneath the trick shots and the massive platform is something so inspiring: they built their lives on hands-on experiences, deep friendships, and stories worth reading. We talk about their new book Operation Trick Shot, their new outdoor channel, and their new podcast. Dude Perfect is always expanding and trying new things. We also discuss how to aim for kind of childhood that includes being outside, doing real things, and sharing it with people you love. And then Winnie Yurich jumps in. Ginny's nine-year-old brings some questions in this episode for a little twist! Get your copy of Operation Trick Shot here ** A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  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 IXL Learning - Head to ⁠www.ixl.com/1000hours⁠ to get an exclusive 20% savings on your membership Whisker - Take care of your cats while taking an additional $50 off bundles with code 1000HOURS when you shop ⁠www.whisker.com/1000HOURS⁠  Skylight - Right now, Skylight calendar is offering our listeners $30 off their 15-inch calendar when you go to ⁠wwwlMySkylight.com/1000Hours⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People reading in an airport shouldn't feel rare... but it does, and that's exactly where this conversation with Jack Carr lands. In his fifth appearance, Jack returns with his tenth book and a clear mission: rebuild a culture of readers in a world designed to keep us scrolling. This episode moves from the power of story to the cost of distraction, from empathy and imagination to what happens when we stop practicing both. Jack shares the heart behind The Fourth Option, the responsibility he feels to get better with every book, and why reading is so much more than just a hobby. Reading helps kids and adults think deeply, feel deeply, and stand out because they've chosen something harder and better. Look no further for your Father's Day shopping!! Get your copy of The Fourth Option here Check out Jack Carr and all he has to offer (it's a lot!!!) including his podcast, merch, info about TV series, book club, newsletter and more here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's something in all of us that still wants to be held, guided, and reassured and it doesn't go away when we grow up. In this Mother's Day conversation, Ginny Yurich sits down with Alex Seeley to talk about the kind of comfort we're actually looking for, whether we realize it or not and how the Holy Spirit meets us right there in it. They get into her childhood spent imagining and making her own fun, what we lose when our lives are too full and too loud, and the wild story of moving her family across the world with no real plan. It's about learning to slow down, learning to listen, and realizing you don't have to figure everything out on your own. Find Alex's book The Divine Counselor at here Learn more about Alex and all she has to offer here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one will change the way you see every forecast, every storm, every ordinary day outside. On this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with meteorologist Chris Bruin about why weather isn't something to endure. Instead, it's something to experience, learn from, and even lean into as a family. From chasing blizzards and hurricanes to noticing clouds with your kids out the window, Chris makes a compelling case that curiosity about the sky can pull us back into wonder and connection. They talk about raising resilient kids, taking young children on real adventures, and how the elements themselves (wind, storms, shade) can shape who we become if we let them. This episode an invitation to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start stepping outside together, right now. Follow Chris on Instagram here ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Something is going wrong in childhood, and most of us can feel it. We're rushing kids forward and wondering why they're struggling to become themselves. In this powerful conversation, Ginny Yurich sits down with Dr. Deborah MacNamara to unpack what children actually need to grow: deep rest in relationship, wide-open play, and the freedom to feel their full range of emotions. Drawing from Rest, Play, Grow, Deborah explains why maturity is not a guarantee, why play is the birthplace of personhood, and why “tears of futility” are not a problem to fix but a process that helps children become resilient human beings . This episode will change how you see tantrums, learning, and even your role as a parent—offering a steady, sane path forward in a world that keeps pushing kids too far, too fast. Don't miss it and remember to send it to friends and family who need to hear this message. Get your copy of Rest, Play, Grow here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting feels so much harder than it should and this conversation explains why. In this powerful and unforgettable episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with Gordon Neufeld to talk about a critical shift that has changed childhood over the past many decades: kids turning to peers instead of parents for guidance, identity, and belonging. Drawing from his book Hold On to Your Kids, Dr. Neufeld shows why no parenting strategy can replace relationship, why independence has been misunderstood, and why the real work is getting your child's heart back. This one will change how you see behavior, discipline, screens, and even the pressure to “socialize” kids and it will leave you with a deep sense that it's not too late to rebuild what matters most. Get your copy of Hold On to Your Kids here Learn more about Dr. Neufeld and all he has to offer: https://neufeldinstitute.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Epstein just handed parents a whole new way to think about creativity, childhood, and the everyday limits we usually try to escape. In this fascinating episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with the bestselling author of Range and Inside the Box about why complete freedom often leads to conformity, how constraints can make us more inventive, and why kids may actually become more creative when they have fewer options, less input, and more time outside. From Pixar to Dr. Seuss, Kyrie Irving, Keith Jarrett, childhood chores, multitasking, and the hidden cost of too much autonomy, David makes a powerful case that the boundaries in our lives are not always holding us back. Often, they are the very things that help us grow. Find David's work and books at davidepstein.com, including Range and Inside the Box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go to bearwoodsresort.com/1000 to sign up for the Mother's Day Giveaway! A pile of tires, a broken-down property, and a decision that could have easily failed — that's where this story starts. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny sits down with longtime friend John Sowash, co-founder of Bear Woods Resort, to talk about what it actually takes to build something from scratch with five kids, limited resources, and no clear roadmap. From learning how to run heavy machinery to solving problems never encountered before, John shares how the hardest parts of the journey shaped the skills, confidence, and creativity that now serve both his family and the families who come to stay. This is a conversation about camping, Northern Michigan, entrepreneurship, and why the people who can do a little bit of everything are the ones everyone calls. Explore Bear Woods Resort and book your vacation at bearwoodsresort.com and join the Mother's Day Giveaway at bearwoodsresort.com/1000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So often everything feels urgent but this conversation with Amber Lia gently pulls you back to what actually matters. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with Amber to talk about raising teens in a world full of pressure, walking with a child through anxiety and depression, and the surprising power of being seen, known, and steady when emotions run high. From writing a devotional with her son to overcoming anger, exhaustion, and unhealthy patterns, Amber shares hard-won wisdom that feels both grounding and doable whether you're parenting little kids, navigating the teen years, or trying to reset your own habits. This is a conversation about hope in the middle of real life, about choosing presence over pressure, and about trusting that there really is enough time for the things that matter most. Find Amber's books, courses, and resources at https://amberlia.com and connect with her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/amberlia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Modern life keeps telling our brains that everything is urgent, and Dr. Elisha Goldstein says that is exactly why so many of us feel overwhelmed even when nothing is technically wrong. In this deeply helpful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with Dr. Goldstein, psychologist and author of Tiny Shifts, about techno-stress, the overwhelm loop, why our bodies get stuck in urgency, and how small emotional pivots can actually change the way we move through stress, parenting, relationships, and daily life. From taking one breath and lowering your shoulders to asking better questions, naming what you feel, savoring good moments, and getting outside with your kids even when they resist, this conversation is full of simple practices that feel doable in real life. Learn more about Dr. Elisha Goldstein at elishagoldstein.com andcheck out his book Tiny Shifts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't miss a SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP Offer below!!! There are moments when a parent starts wondering if there might be another way to do education and this conversation is for that exact moment. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with Jennifer Burns, founder and head of school at American Faith Academy and president of Excelara, about homeschooling, hybrid education, classical Christian learning, and why families do not have to figure it all out alone. Jennifer shares her own story of homeschooling before it was common, raising her boys through a hybrid model, and now helping families find a more flexible, parent-centered path. This is a deeply encouraging episode for anyone who feels overwhelmed by school decisions, unsure about the next step, or simply hungry for more time, more freedom, and a childhood that leaves room for family, faith, books, hard things, outdoor play, and the simple beauty of hopscotch on the sidewalk. *** Now about the amazing SCHOLARSHIP offer!*** We've partnered with American Faith Academy, and they're offering a $1,000 tuition scholarship for the 2026–2027 school year for families in the 1000 Hours Outside community. How amazing is that?? If you've been looking for an educational option that aligns more closely with your values—something flexible, family-centered, and supportive—this is definitely worth checking out. The scholarship is available through August 15th, so you do have a window, but not a huge one. You can learn more AmericanFaithAcademy.org - just fill out the form at that landing page to learn more!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reality is starting to get a bad reputation and that should concern all of us. In this thought-provoking episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with Joshua Pauling, co-author of Are We All Cyborgs Now?, about the growing idea that real life is something to escape rather than engage. From AI relationships and digital avatars to the subtle ways technology reshapes how we think, relate, and even define what it means to be human, this conversation goes into all of it! What happens when ease replaces effort, when simulated connection replaces real relationships, and when the friction that forms us is engineered out of everyday life? And what do we lose when reality itself is framed as a privilege? This episode is both a warning and an invitation to step back into the kind of life that builds resilience, depth, and meaning in a world increasingly designed to pull us away from it. Get your copy of Are We All Cyborgs Now? here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mornings are not just about alarms, routines, or becoming a 5 a.m. person. In this warm and joy-filled episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with beloved author Jennifer Dukes Lee about her new book, How to Love Your Morning, and the deeper invitation tucked inside the first moments of every day. Jennifer shares why she believes everyone is a morning person, how the night before shapes the day ahead, what grief taught her about sacred rhythms, and the concept of good overwhelm. This conversation is full of faith, laughter, practical ideas, and a beautiful reminder that God keeps stitching new mercies into every morning. Find Jennifer's work here and get a copy of How to Love Your Morning here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gary Brecka says some of the most powerful health changes are also the simplest ones: morning sunlight, real food, better sleep, daily movement, and a body that remembers it was made for the natural world. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich talks with Gary about why getting outside first thing in the day can change everything from mood and focus to sleep and long-term health, why the absence of processed food matters, and how parents can begin with small, free shifts that fit into everyday life. Listen to Gary on The Ultimate Human Podcast and explore his work at TheUltimateHuman.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The number one personal development skill is interpersonal curiosity and yet a lot of us don't quite know what to do once a conversation gets past the basics. You're going to love this one and get so much out of it! Heather Holleman, author of ⁠The Six Conversations⁠, joins Ginny Yurich on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to talk about what actually helps. This is a really practical conversation about how to ask better questions, how to listen in a way that makes people feel known, and how to keep things going without it feeling forced or awkward. There are ideas here you can use right away with your kids, your friends, and the people you see every day. They also talk about loneliness, faith, and Heather's middle grade novel ⁠This Seat's Saved⁠, which weaves so naturally into the heart of this message. Find her books and resources at ⁠https://heatherholleman.com⁠. Get your copy of The Six Conversations and put it in your purse just like Ginny does! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply personal episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with Elise Heerde, author of After the Exit, about what happens when families raise concerns in places that are supposed to protect children and are punished instead of heard. Together they explore high-control communities, the weaponization of belonging, and the lasting impact these experiences can have on both kids and families. At its core, this conversation is about child safety and well-being. Elise helps explain why child safety depends on adults being allowed to ask hard questions, trust their instincts, and speak up without fear. Find Elise's work, coaching, and resources at the Religious Trauma Collective and get a copy of After the Exit . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Vanderbilt joins Ginny Yurich on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast for a conversation about becoming a beginner again, even when adulthood makes it easy to stay on the sidelines. Thank you for bearing with some audio imperfections in this episode. The conversation itself is such a worthwhile one. Tom's book Beginners is funny, thoughtful, and incredibly motivating, and this episode will make you want to try something new, let your kids see you struggle a little, and remember that learning does not have to belong only to childhood! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Kovac brings such a helpful father's perspective to this conversation about homeschooling, work, maturity, and what actually prepares kids for adult life. Ginny and Dan talk about energetic kids, myths about homeschooling, the skills that matter most in today's world, and why independence, teachability, time management, and real-life problem solving matter so much more than simply checking boxes. This one is full of wisdom, warmth, and the kind of perspective that helps parents breathe easier about the future. Explore Rachel Kovac's book Their Future Is Shining Bright here and share this episode with someone who is trying to raise a child who can step into the world with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices