The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Beth Barbeau, a dedicated home-birth midwife and founder of Indigo Forest, shares her insights on the transformative power of birth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding birth options, noting how modern maternity care often leaves women uninformed and scared. With a focus on the benefits of undisturbed birth and the role of doulas, Beth highlights how reclaiming knowledge can empower women. She also discusses the emotional impacts of birth choices, generational wisdom, and how an empowered birth experience can positively affect parenting.

In a heartfelt discussion, Rory Feek, a father, farmer, and Grammy-winning songwriter, reflects on his journey from poverty in Kansas to Nashville's music scene. He emphasizes how small, meaningful moments can lead to significant changes in life. Rory shares insights on parenting in a tech-driven world, highlighting the importance of a rich 'curriculum of life' for children. He also discusses the impact of his simple hymns album, created during a challenging time, and how it brought comfort to many. Join this inspiring conversation about faith, creativity, and family.

Justin Whitmel Earley, an author and advocate for spiritual formation, discusses his journey through anxiety and the lessons learned from his book, The Body Teaches the Soul. He shares how many of our struggles aren't solved by sheer will but by understanding and respecting our bodily limits. Topics include the transformative powers of box breathing, the significance of Sabbath rest, and how simple daily habits can nurture a healthier family life. Justin underscores that embracing limitations can lead to deeper peace and growth.

Dr. Marc Berman, a psychology professor and pioneer in environmental neuroscience, explores the alarming decline of human attention in today's tech-saturated world. He reveals how a simple 50-minute walk in nature can enhance memory and combat mental fatigue by approximately 20%. Berman connects childhood experiences with nature to cognitive restoration, advocating for more outdoor time for kids to reduce meltdowns. He also discusses the benefits of nature for mental health, suggesting design strategies to create restorative indoor environments.

S.D. Smith, a beloved children's author known for the Green Ember series, discusses his latest work, Helmer in the Dragon Tomb. He emphasizes the importance of timeless storytelling in nurturing children’s virtues amid rising anxiety and tech distractions. Engagingly, he shares personal anecdotes from hiking adventures in West Virginia. Smith advocates for 'tricksy parenting' techniques to make reading appealing while warning against outsourcing creativity to AI. The conversation inspires listeners to prioritize imagination and connection through books.

Ben Swire, an author and founder of Make Believe Works, dives deep into the importance of experiential connection in both personal and workplace settings. He passionately argues that adults often crave meaningful connections but feel lonely in a conformity-driven culture. Ben describes his transformative journey through 'safe danger,' where creativity, vulnerability, and play foster real emotional resilience. With practical tips for enhancing relationships at home and work, he illustrates how joy and trust are essential skills we can all develop.

Misty Copeland, a trailblazing ballerina and author, shares her inspiring journey from a shy teenager to a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. She discusses how movement became her lifeline, emphasizing its profound benefits for children today, especially in a screen-dominated world. Misty highlights her initiatives, like the Bunheads series and the Be Bold Foundation, aimed at increasing access to the arts. She advocates for joy in teaching and the importance of community, resilience, and hands-on experiences in childhood development.

Angela Hanscom, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook, dives into the transformative power of outdoor play for children. She reveals how unstructured nature interactions enhance attention spans and social skills. Angela emphasizes that movement stimulates brain development and cultivates resilience and empathy among kids. She shares compelling stories of children resolving conflicts and learning leadership naturally. The conversation inspires listeners to embrace outdoor exploration as essential for nurturing confident, capable children.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Sharon Hodde Miller, an author focused on spiritual growth, reveals why many young people feel anxious and insecure. Drawing from her works, she highlights how our attention-driven culture fosters self-preoccupation rather than genuine self-worth. Sharon discusses the liberating practice of hiddenness and redirects focus towards loving God and others, offering practical advice for parents on nurturing deeper purpose in their children's lives. This insightful dialogue encourages stepping away from performance-driven validation and finding joy in genuine connection.

Dr. Daniel Willingham, a cognitive psychologist renowned for his work on learning and memory, shares insights into fostering lifelong readers. He emphasizes the critical role of background knowledge over traditional phonics programs and how reading aloud continues to benefit children even after early childhood. Willingham discusses the 'fourth grade slump' in comprehension, suggesting that limiting screen time can significantly enhance children's reading choices. He encourages families to cultivate a culture of reading, making it a natural and enjoyable part of daily life.