In this powerful and timely conversation, 1000 Hours Outside founder Ginny Yurich sits down with Russell York, CEO of Cosmo, a leading kids smartwatch company, to explore one of the most pressing issues of modern childhood: the loss of unstructured play and freedom.
They also discuss the brand new partnership between their organizations and the launch of the Cosmo x 1000 Hours Outside Adventure Bundle, available here!
This is a limited-edition offer designed for families like ours who value connection, freedom, and real-world adventure. With the bundle you'll get:
✅ FREE JrTrack 5 Kids Smartwatch
✅ FREE custom 1000 Hours Outside wrist band
✅ FREE extra teal wrist band
✅ 1000 Hours Outside logo sticker
✅ 3 months of Cosmo Membership FREE
During the episode, Russell and Ginny unpack how our culture’s shift toward constant supervision, fear, and screens has reshaped childhood, and how technology, when designed with intention, can actually help restore kids’ independence.
Russell shares how Cosmo’s innovative smartwatch gives families the best of both worlds - connection and freedom - allowing parents peace of mind while giving kids room to explore, play, and build real-world friendships. Ginny and Russell reflect on the developmental importance of long stretches of playtime, the social “glue” kids create in neighborhoods, and why reclaiming outdoor independence is vital for children’s mental health, confidence, and sense of community.
You’ll hear stories, research, and insights that challenge the norms of over-parenting, highlight the transformative power of free play, and celebrate a shared mission between Cosmo and 1000 Hours Outside, to reconnect families and rebuild neighborhoods through trust, autonomy, and adventure.
Tune in to learn:
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Why unstructured outdoor play is essential for mental health and development
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How a sense of control builds resilience in kids (and adults)
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What “un-parenting” really means, and why it matters
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How Cosmo Smartwatches are helping families safely rediscover the magic of neighborhood play
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