The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Join Erin Loechner, an author and creative entrepreneur, as she shares her journey of opting out of tech culture and redefining family life. She emphasizes that stepping off the race doesn’t mean leaving your kids behind; instead, it encourages thriving. Erin offers practical strategies for creating offline delights, like treasure chest microwaves and family projects. She discusses how to use tech playbooks for good, reclaim surprises at home, and foster interdependence—all while inviting families to slow down and choose a life filled with joy.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Gurian, a marriage and family therapist and bestselling author known for his insights on child development, explores the challenges of raising resilient children in a digital age. He introduces his transformative 'three families' model, highlighting the importance of real work and play. Gurian discusses the significance of two hours of physical activity daily and emphasizes how nurturing community connections can combat anxiety and enhance boys' resilience. With practical advice on screen limits and chores, this conversation offers a hopeful blueprint for parents.

Andy Felton, the author of Nourished by Design, shares his journey from Navy submarine officer to nutrition advocate. He discusses the dangers of modern, convenience-driven food culture and stresses the importance of traditional culinary skills. Andy highlights how ultra-processed foods confuse our biology and offers practical tips for healthier eating, such as adopting an 80/20 approach. He emphasizes food as information and advocates for community-building meals while critiquing marketing that has reshaped family dining. Ultimately, he reveals that health should enable us to live fully, not merely as an end goal.

Paul Hastings, creator of the Compelled podcast and author, dives into the power of storytelling and its profound impact on our lives. He shares his multicultural upbringing and how his grandfather's tales fueled his passion for narratives. Paul reveals the intricate production process of his episodes, emphasizing the significance of silence during emotional storytelling. He discusses how meaningful stories can transform lives and highlights the importance of sharing personal experiences to inspire hope and connection.

In this engaging discussion, Mike McLeod, an Executive function and ADHD specialist from GrowNow ADHD, highlights the pressing mental health crisis among youth. He emphasizes the negative impact of screens and permissive parenting on children's executive functioning. Mike advocates for outdoor play over screen time, sharing how unstructured activities foster resilience and creativity. He also proposes reallocating therapy budgets toward community engagement and parent coaching, calling for a shift to authoritative parenting that balances love with limits.

In this enlightening chat, Glen Henry, a devoted father and advocate behind Beleaf in Fatherhood, shares his transformative journey from reluctant parenthood to embracing the joys of fathering. He discusses the importance of playful connection, recounts hilarious family moments, and emphasizes saying yes to kids' invitations. Glen introduces the idea of 'fathering yourself first' and how it impacts parenting. With stories of big family adventures and overcoming fears, he offers a heartfelt blueprint for building a joyful family life.

In this lively discussion, Tim Elmore, a leadership expert and author, explores the generational dynamics facing Gen Z. He delves into the 'Peter Pan paradox,' where maturity delays even as authority diminishes. Tim highlights Gen Z's tech fluency alongside their struggles with people skills, and shares practical ways for parents and leaders to cultivate emotional intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of soft skills in the AI age and the need for a supportive environment that fosters independence and resilience in young people.

In an engaging conversation, Russell York, CEO of Cosmo, discusses the vital role of unstructured play in childhood. He explains how their kid-friendly smartwatches help balance safety and independence, allowing children to explore freely while staying connected to parents. Russell highlights the benefits of neighborhood play in fostering community and enhancing children’s social skills. They also tackle the importance of restoring children’s right to roam, emphasizing how intentional technology can reclaim outdoor freedom essential for mental health and growth.

Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist and the author of Wise Effort, joins to discuss navigating life's challenges in a noisy world. She highlights the power of psychological flexibility and the importance of curiosity over quick fixes. Diana shares practical tips like moving outdoors to alleviate stress and emphasizes how nature enhances creativity. She introduces the concept of 'positive energizers' and explains how tiny, values-aligned actions can transform relationships and family dynamics, offering a path back to presence and purpose.

In a heartwarming chat, Abby Kuykendall, author of "Let the Biscuits Burn" and "The Living Table," shares her insights on hospitality. She emphasizes that hospitality is about making others feel seen and loved, rather than just focusing on aesthetics. Abby encourages listeners to embrace imperfection, overcome the fear of rejection, and invite others into their lives. She shares practical tips like setting simple house rules for hosting, utilizing outdoor spaces, and crafting easy menus. Her heartfelt stories reveal the beauty of building community through connection.