What if healing, purpose, and joy could all begin with a walk—and a willingness to connect? In this powerful episode, Mark and Ksenija Ostach open up about their journey toward living a life anchored in intentional connection, even in the midst of grief, distraction, and digital overload. From their blind date beginnings to creating a family culture rooted in presence over pixels, they share how storytelling, faith, and slowing down became transformational tools in their home. Together, they’ve authored Courage to Connect and The Walk Forward Journal, a daily guide that fuses movement, reflection, and prayer to help others process emotion, soften the heart, and hear the gentle whisper of God.

Mark and Ksenija discuss the impact of misprocessed trauma, the freedom of family screen boundaries, and the beauty of holding space for one another’s stories. You’ll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll walk away inspired to trade digital noise for real-life connection. Whether you’re a journal skeptic or a seeker of deeper rhythms, this episode offers both practical hope and spiritual insight.

📕 Get Courage to Connect: markostach.com
📝 Explore The Walk Forward Journal: walkforwardjournal.com

A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:

Geviti: Visit https://www.gogeviti.com/1000hoursoutside for 20% off your first three months of membership!

Cozy Earth: Go to cozyearth.com and use code OUTSIDE for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more.

Active Skin Repair: Visit www.ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and their commitment to 1% for the planet and use code: 1000hours to save 20% on all Active Skin Repair products
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.
Fay Nutrition: Visit www.FayNutrition.com/1000HOURS to see if you qualify for a dietitian for $0
CRU: Visit give.cru.org/hour to sign up for a $24 monthly gift, and receive a free copy of Until The Streetlights Come On
Reliefband - Get 20% off plus free shipping at www.reliefband.com/1000hours
Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns
Kaeluma - Visit jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-outside to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content!
Acorns Early - Visit www.acornsearly.com/outside to learn more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deidre Tyler

The AI-powered Podcast Player