The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

In this unforgettable conversation, New York Times bestselling author and investigative journalist Lee Strobel joins Ginny Yurich to explore the unseen realm—where science, faith, and mystery collide. Drawing from his newest book Seeing the Supernatural, Strobel shares powerful, documented stories of near-death experiences, angelic encounters, supernatural dreams, and miracle healings that challenge modern assumptions about consciousness, death, and the afterlife. This episode is about evidence—not speculation—and what it might mean for how we live today. Whether you're a person of faith, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers an invitation to think deeply about life’s biggest questions. Strobel’s journey from atheism to belief reveals that small acts—like offering cookies to a neighbor—can ripple through eternity. It's a reminder that the way we parent, pray, and even play is shaped not just by the visible world, but also by what we can’t yet see. 📘 Seeing the Supernatural by Lee Strobel is available now. Get your copy here ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve read the book, maybe even underlined your favorite sentences—but have you ever wondered who helped shape those words before they reached your hands? In this refreshingly candid and surprisingly emotional episode, Ginny Yurich sits down with Will Parker Anderson, senior editor at Penguin Random House (WaterBrook & Multnomah), to explore the mysterious world of publishing and the unsung heroes behind today’s most meaningful reads. From decoding messy manuscripts to helping authors find their voice, Will offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the creative and invisible work that brings books to life. Whether you dream of writing a book or simply love reading them, this episode will reshape how you see the words on a page—and the people who help craft them. Will also opens up about parenting, media-free mornings, and his own childhood memories of outdoor wonder, reminding us that the power of story and the power of nature are often intertwined. For practical tips and weekly insights into writing and publishing, subscribe to Will’s newsletter at writerscircle.co. *** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to more family adventures started in your kitchen? Mandy Klentz of Plandy Mandy returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to show us how home-cooked, additive-free meals can actually save time, money, and stress. In this warm and practical conversation, Ginny Yurich and Mandy unpack the real cost of convenience foods—and how a freezer full of homemade muffins might just be your ticket to more memories outside. This episode is a breath of fresh air for overwhelmed parents. Mandy shares how her simple meal plans—free of dyes, seed oils, and stress—help families reclaim hours in the day and dollars in the bank. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating margin for what matters most: shared meals, spontaneous park days, and saying yes to more of life. Whether you're new to budgeting or just tired of dinner drama, this is encouragement that actually works. ** Learn more about Mandy and all she has to offer here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest risk to our children’s future isn’t failure—but our fear of it? In this bold and deeply affirming episode, Ginny Yurich is joined by bestselling author and father of four, Mark Gerson, to explore how overprotection is quietly robbing kids of the very traits they need to thrive: independence, resilience, and confidence. Drawing from his new book God Was Right, Gerson shows how timeless biblical truths—like “do not fear”—are being confirmed by modern social science, and why embracing those truths can change how we parent. This conversation covers everything from helicopter parenting and safetyism to peer pressure, adversity, and the importance of honoring children’s small steps toward freedom. With warmth and clarity, Mark explains how the smallest actions—returning a lost dollar, offering a smile, celebrating a milestone—are never just small. They are sacred. Packed with real-world examples, science, ancient wisdom, and hope, this episode is an invitation to raise stronger kids by doing less hovering and more cheering. You’ll walk away seeing your role—and your child’s potential—through a whole new lens. ** Get your copy of God Was Right here Learn more about Mark and all he has to offer here ** 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! 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

When life falls apart, learning doesn’t have to. In this heartfelt conversation, Ginny Yurich sits down with Christine Alexander of Wonder and Wildflower to talk about a season of homeschooling marked by deep challenges—job loss, a cross-country move, and a year without any seatwork. And yet, in the middle of that chaos, something beautiful happened: connection deepened, resilience bloomed, and the kids kept learning in unexpected, life-giving ways. This episode is a reminder that the hard seasons are not wasted. Whether you’re homeschooling, parenting, or simply trying to do the next right thing, Christine’s story will encourage you to trust the process, let go of perfection, and embrace the sacredness of simply showing up. It’s the perfect companion to Ginny’s new book Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It, which is now available wherever books are sold. ** Learn more about Christine and all she has to offer here Get your copy of Homeschooling, You're Doing It Right Just By Doing It here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Acuff has joined The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast six times—and every time, he’s delivered unforgettable encouragement, truth bombs, and just the right amount of hilarious honesty. In this special summer edition, we’ve pulled together his greatest hits. These aren’t just highlights—they’re life-giving reminders about courage, purpose, parenting, progress, and the myth of perfection. From “auditioning goals” to “measuring against zero,” this episode is full of practical mindset shifts and soul-deep encouragement you’ll want to replay again and again. You’ll hear stories that will make you laugh (yes, including the Skittles), advice that will challenge how you view success, and truths that will help you step forward—even when it’s messy. Whether you’re walking through a season of regret, recalibration, or just trying to show up well for your people, this episode will meet you right where you are. Because as Jon says, "The try is an invitation to get better over time." Let’s start again—together. ** Learn more about Jon Acuff and everything he has to offer here If you're wanting more Jon Acuff encouragement check out all six full episodes below: 1. 1KHO 75: I Want My Family to Get the Best of Me, Not the Rest of MeIn this heartfelt episode, Jon Acuff discusses the importance of being intentional with family time, ensuring that loved ones receive our best efforts rather than what's left over. He shares insights from co-authoring a book with his daughters and emphasizes the value of presence in parenting. 2. 1KHO 111: How to Make it Past Quitter's DayJon Acuff explores strategies to maintain motivation and overcome the common pitfalls that lead people to abandon their goals early in the year. He provides practical advice on setting achievable objectives and sustaining momentum beyond January. 3. 1KHO 191: Make Your Best Moments the Rule, Not the ExceptionDelving into self-improvement and creativity, Jon Acuff discusses how to make meaningful goals a consistent part of life. He offers insights on turning dreams into actionable plans and emphasizes the importance of being present to create lasting memories. 4. 1KHO 237: From Regret to Resilience: Overcoming Lost TimeIn his fourth appearance, Jon Acuff shares insights on navigating regret and cultivating resilience. He discusses how to move past missed opportunities and focus on building a purposeful life through intentional actions. 5. 1KHO 345: If You’re Not Fighting For Your Kids, What Are You Saving Your Fight For?Jon Acuff discusses his book How Teens Win and shares insights on helping teens discover their potential. He emphasizes creating personalized scorecards, finding success beyond comparison, and the importance of parents engaging in meaningful conversations with their teens. 1KHO 417: Raising Steady Kids in a Shifting WorldJon Acuff offers practical tools for parenting with timeless truths amidst modern challenges, emphasizing the importance of honesty, hard work, and meaningful relationships in raising resilient children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unforgettable episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich welcomes author and Yale Law graduate Mary Marantz for a conversation that is as heart-wrenching as it is hope-filled. Mary shares her journey from a trailer on a mountaintop in West Virginia to the halls of Yale, weaving together stories of dirt-stained roots, childhood magic, absent parents, and the quiet faithfulness that carried her through. With honesty and insight, she explores the deep longing to belong, the ache of being underestimated, and the way small acts of consistency can carve out a whole new life. Together, Ginny and Mary uncover the quiet brilliance of repetition—the daily showing up, the unseen sacrifice, the uncelebrated grit. This episode is a moving reminder that you don’t need to go big to matter. You just need to keep going. The power is in the small things—on repeat. ** Get your copy of Underestimated here Get your copy of Dirt here Learn more about Mary and all she has to offer here 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! 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.  Crowd Health: Learn more at ⁠www.joincrowdhealth.com⁠ and get started today for just $99 per month for your first three months by using code 1000HOURS.  BetterHelp: Visit  ⁠www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS⁠  today to get 10% off your first month. Fay Nutrition: Visit ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOFayNutrition⁠ to see if you qualify for a dietitian for $0 CRU: Visit ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOCru⁠ 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 ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOreliefband⁠  Quince - Visit ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOQuince⁠ and get free shipping and 365 day returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angela Hanscom, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook, highlights the dire consequences of restricted movement in modern childhood. She advocates for outdoor play as essential for children’s neurological and emotional development, arguing that activities like climbing and spinning are vital. Hanscom stresses that daily outdoor movement can be transformative, linking it to improvements in mental health and joy. Her insights urge parents and educators to prioritize unstructured play and rethink traditional approaches to child development.

Life is already complicated—dinner doesn’t have to be. In this refreshingly down-to-earth conversation, Ginny Yurich sits down with Emily Ley, bestselling author, planner designer, and creator of The Simplified Cookbook, to talk about what it really takes to make family life easier. Emily shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to launching a wildly successful business that helps women ditch the overwhelm and embrace simplicity—starting with dinner. From “stupid easy” recipes and genius hacks like perpetual grocery lists to the power of deciding once (hello, pizza Fridays!), Emily offers practical tools that make daily life feel lighter and more joyful. But this episode isn’t just about food—it’s about freeing up time and headspace to focus on what really matters. Emily and Ginny dive into the beauty of assembly meals, why three out of four goals is enough, and how Substack has become a space of encouragement for overwhelmed moms. Whether you’re trying to simplify your meal routine, build meaningful family traditions, or just find permission to let go of perfection, this conversation is your breath of fresh air. ** Get your copy of Emily's new cookbook here Learn more about Emily and all she has to offer here 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! 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.  Crowd Health: Learn more at ⁠www.joincrowdhealth.com⁠ and get started today for just $99 per month for your first three months by using code 1000HOURS.  BetterHelp: Visit  ⁠www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS⁠  today to get 10% off your first month. Fay Nutrition: Visit ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOFayNutrition⁠ to see if you qualify for a dietitian for $0 CRU: Visit ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOCru⁠ 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 ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOreliefband⁠  Quince - Visit ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOQuince⁠ and get free shipping and 365 day returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if doing less was actually the key to doing what matters most? In this powerful episode, Ginny Yurich sits down with Technicolor Woman author Courtney Smallbone for a raw, hope-filled conversation about legacy, identity, and the cost of burnout. Courtney shares how embracing rest, resisting cultural pressure, and choosing a slower path has helped her build a family life rooted in purpose. Together they explore what it means to finish well, how generational impact begins long before our kids are born, and why sometimes it’s better to leave things undone than to come undone. From midwives to homesteading, touring the world to quieting the noise, Courtney offers a compelling vision of motherhood, womanhood, and calling. With wisdom drawn from Scripture, Hebrew word origins, and real-life experience, she encourages listeners to reclaim their identity and rhythm—away from hustle and into wholeness. This conversation is a needed reminder: your ordinary life, lived with intention, can change everything. ** Get your copy of Technicolor Woman here Learn more about Courtney and all she has to offer here 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! 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.  Crowd Health: Learn more at ⁠www.joincrowdhealth.com⁠ and get started today for just $99 per month for your first three months by using code 1000HOURS.  BetterHelp: Visit  ⁠www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS⁠  today to get 10% off your first month. Fay Nutrition: Visit ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOFayNutrition⁠ to see if you qualify for a dietitian for $0 CRU: Visit ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOCru⁠ 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 ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOreliefband⁠  Quince - Visit ⁠https://tinyurl.com/1KHOQuince⁠ and get free shipping and 365 day returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices