The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Melissa Ferguson, a bestselling author of romantic comedies and children's books, shares her inspiring journey from repeated rejection to success, including her latest release, 'Our Friendly Farmhouse'. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks and managing distractions while balancing motherhood and creativity. The conversation is laced with humor, exploring everything from adapting books for film to her adventures in home building. Ferguson's heartfelt anecdotes and practical advice shine a light on pursuing passion and embracing life's challenges.

In this engaging discussion, internationally bestselling author Carl Honoré, known for 'In Praise of Slowness,' tackles the modern parenting crisis centered around the 'trophy child.' He highlights how hyper-parenting and constant comparison rob kids of joy and resilience. Honoré argues for the necessity of slowing down, promoting unstructured play, and encouraging individuality over societal pressures. It’s a call to reclaim childhood by embracing natural development and meaningful connections in a fast-paced world.

Dr. Joel 'Gator' Warsh, a board-certified pediatrician with a master's in epidemiology, delves into the controversial world of vaccines. He argues for transparency and open dialogue, addressing parental concerns about vaccine safety and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry. The discussion covers long-term data gaps, ethical dilemmas, and the need for true placebo controls in trials. Warsh emphasizes the importance of informed choices, urging families to have honest conversations instead of being silenced or dismissed.

In this engaging discussion, Rachelle Crawford, author of 'How to Be Busy' and advocate for a simpler life, shares her insights on modern motherhood and the chaos of everyday life. She hilariously reflects on the challenges of juggling parenting while emphasizing the difference between being busy and feeling hurried. Through personal anecdotes, Rachelle encourages listeners to reclaim time for meaningful connections and self-care, highlighting the importance of creating margins in a chaotic world.

Rory Groves, the author of Durable Trades and The Family Economy, transitioned from software engineering to farming, advocating for a family-centered approach to work. He discusses how modern jobs often fracture family bonds and stresses the importance of durable trades that offer stability. Rory shares insights on the evolving dynamics of family life in a post-Industrial world, the significance of integrating children into family businesses, and practical steps for fostering resilience through hands-on experiences. His journey started with a single tomato plant, leading to renewed connections and purpose.

Helene Leeds, a passionate mother and former MasterChef contestant, and her daughter Penelope Popken, who lost 160 pounds by embracing whole foods, share their transformative journey through food addiction and weight loss. They discuss the significant impact of gardening, outdoor time, and cooking on their healing process. Together, they've rejected quick fixes, focusing instead on sustainable living and empowerment. Their inspiring story highlights the power of connection, patience in change, and reclaiming freedom through mindful eating and movement.

Join Samantha Mauermann, a homesteader at Acres and Aprons, as she shares her inspiring journey from a chaotic childhood to a thriving homestead business. Discover how she transformed a fixer-upper and two chickens into a 23-acre paradise filled with dairy animals and bees. The conversation delves into the realization that homesteading can start anywhere and how practical skills can nurture both personal growth and community. Samantha's story is a testament to building a fulfilling life right where you are.

Linda McGurk, a Swedish-American journalist and bestselling author, joins the conversation to champion the essential role of outdoor play in childhood. Drawing on her experiences in both Sweden and the U.S., she discusses how daily outdoor activities nurture resilience and joy in children. They explore cultural contrasts, the importance of longer recess, and building communities of nature-loving families. McGurk's insights inspire parents to embrace outdoor play regardless of weather, emphasizing that nature is fundamental for fostering healthy, happy kids.

Morgan and Hudson Wild, known as the Wild Brothers, grew up as missionary kids in the jungles of Indonesia, shaping their passion for outdoor adventures. They discuss the importance of raising kids with real-life learning experiences rather than screen time, emphasizing hands-on creativity. Their new curriculum, Off the Couch and Into Creation, aims to foster exploration and connection with nature. They also highlight the value of nature journaling and storytelling in education, encouraging families to embrace adventure and rediscover the wonders around them.

In this enlightening discussion, Nicholas Kardaras, an addiction expert and author of "Glow Kids," teams up with Andrew Laubacher, executive director of Humanality. They dive into the alarming rise of screen addiction among children, its impact on mental health, and the disruptive nature of technology on childhood development. Andrew shares his personal journey towards digital detox, while Kardaras warns about the seductive influences of AI and social media. Together, they advocate for reclaiming creativity and real-world experiences to foster resilience in today's youth.