The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 661: Let Kids Grow Up at the Right Pace | Jon Gustin, The Tired Dad
Dec 27, 2025
Join Jon Gustin, writer and creator of The Tired Dad, as he shares his candid journey through sobriety and parenting. He discusses the impact of early exposure to alcohol and how fatherhood forced him to confront his anxieties. Jon emphasizes the need for attentive parenting in a world full of screens, advocating for intentional limits on technology. He redefines childhood messiness as a sign of creativity and connection, revealing how family walks can deepen relationships. Prepare for an inspiring and thoughtful conversation on modern parenting challenges!
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Sleepless Second Child Sparked A Brand
- Jon Gustin made 'Never Tired Kid' onesies after his second child woke eight to nine times a night for 13–14 months.
- That prolonged sleepless period shaped his parenting voice and brand.
Early Substance Use Became A Lifelong Crutch
- Jon described experimenting with drugs at 13 and using substances to escape anxiety for over a decade.
- Moving, marrying, and fatherhood forced him to confront those patterns and start change.
Sobriety Revealed Hidden Anxiety
- Jon stopped drinking completely on January 2, 2023 after years of on-off attempts and COVID stress amplified the problem.
- Quitting revealed underlying anxiety and panic attacks that he then had to address sober.