The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Get Ginny's Top 10 Books of 2025 list for FREE ⁠here⁠ Get your free 2026 tracker sheet ⁠here Check out the 1000 Hours Outside Mega Bundle that includes the 2026 Kick-Off Pack ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside, starts 2026 in the most Ginny way possible: a rare, slightly-uncomfortable solo episode chosen on purpose, because New Year’s Day landed on episode 666, and she decided to “fall on the sword” herself. From there, she pulls you into the real origin story of 1000 Hours Outside: a young mom in over her head, three little kids, no sleep, and the first truly good day she’d had in years, September 2011 at a Michigan park, when four to six hours outside (a Charlotte Mason idea she initially thought was ridiculous) changed everything. This episode is a rally cry for families who want more peace, more play, more courage, and less screen-shaped childhood, plus practical ways to start tracking, building a life with “not enough time for screens,” and letting nature become the place where kids grow up incrementally… and parents learn to trust them. Along the way, Ginny shares her top 10 most meaningful books of 2025 (out of 210 books read during the year!), the quotes that steadied her this year, and why reading, walking, and outside time are “time-protection” habits in a world designed to co-opt attention. She also reads the marketing language from Replika AI out loud, because it genuinely alarms her, and makes a clear, compassionate case for choosing the real thing: real friends, real discomfort, real growth, real life. The episode closes with hope for listeners carrying heavy burdens into the new year, and ends with “Beautiful World,” a song and musical collaboration featuring Ginny’s daughters because the whole point is this: childhood isn’t meant to be performed on a screen. It’s meant to be lived. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Kirk Martin, a parenting coach and host of The Calm Parenting Podcast, as he shares practical strategies for navigating family dynamics. He explores the impact of common triggers, like messes and perceived disrespect, on parental anxiety. Kirk emphasizes that strong-willed traits can become strengths and advises on fostering connection over control to improve family relationships. Additionally, he offers tips on maintaining marital alignment amidst parenting challenges and encourages outdoor play to enhance family bonds.

In this conversation, Mike McLeod, an author and clinician specializing in executive function and ADHD, shares insights from his work, including the GrowNow model. He reframes ADHD as an executive function developmental delay and highlights the vital role of working memory. Mike warns against the dangers of screens, linking them to diminished imagination and reading skills, while advocating for visuals over verbal prompts to encourage action in kids. He emphasizes building independence in children, challenging common misconceptions about parenting and ADHD.

Rusty Keeler, a natural playscape designer and author of Adventures in Risky Play, shares insights on the importance of childhood free play. He discusses how experiences in Europe inspired his shift from traditional playgrounds to wild, nature-rich environments filled with loose parts. Rusty emphasizes that kids thrive when given freedom and trust to explore, experiment, and engage in risky play. He challenges societal norms, advocating for a reevaluation of how we approach children's play and development.

Noah Herrin, a Nashville-based pastor and author, dives into modern manhood and the quest for meaningful connections. He emphasizes 'friend hunting' to build genuine friendships and discusses the importance of commitment in relationships. Noah tackles the impact of technology on our lives and encourages boundaries to enhance family presence. He critiques consumerism and promotes servant leadership for a fulfilling life. Plus, his innovative 'brain dump' system helps organize thoughts, making way for clarity and creativity.

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!

Kathryn Kraft, a pediatric physical therapist and founder of the nonprofit LIVEfor, discusses the vital role of movement and touch in child development. She shares how sensory-rich play fosters focus and emotional regulation instead of relying on worksheets. Kathryn explains how TimberNook programs provide inclusive outdoor experiences that encourage creativity through free play, revealing the profound benefits of unstructured time in nature. Her passion stems from personal experiences that shaped her mission to support all children in their outdoor adventures.

Eryn Lynum, a nature educator and author of The Nature of Rest, shares her insights on incorporating rest into our lives through the lens of creation. She emphasizes that rest is not a reward but a fundamental part of life. Eryn discusses the rhythms of nature, illustrating how wildlife naturally embraces rest without societal pressure. She explores practical Sabbath rituals for families, like Selah pauses and simple joys, advocating for intentional breaks that reconnect us with God and loved ones. Her anecdotes reveal the transformative power of rest in everyday life.

Dr. Sina McCullough, a physician and nutrition expert, shares her inspiring journey from battling severe health issues to discovering healing through practical lifestyle changes. She reveals why food labels can be misleading and discusses the importance of understanding gluten’s complexities and the hidden risks of common alternatives. Sina emphasizes the power of nature as medicine and how getting outside can enhance our well-being. Her mission is clear: to help others find their own path to recovery and resilience.

Jimmy Darts, a viral kindness creator and author of Undercover Kindness, shares incredible stories of generosity. He recounts heartwarming encounters, like helping homeless grandparents and highlighting acts of kindness from unexpected sources. Jimmy emphasizes that even small gestures can reveal true character and foster genuine connections. He discusses how his early experiences with giving shaped his identity and the importance of being present and attentive to others. This conversation inspires listeners to embrace generosity in everyday life.