The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Ellie Holcomb, a singer-songwriter and author, shares her journey from touring musician to devoted mother. She discusses the creative shift that came from stepping off the tour bus, leading to her heartfelt devotional, Fighting Words. The conversation touches on how nature inspires her music and children’s books, and the importance of teaching kids about faith and the outdoors. Ellie reflects on the struggles of spiritual dryness and the profound truths revealed through creation, making a case for why getting outside is vital for nurturing faith.

Peter Mutabazi, a Ugandan-born foster and adoptive father who has cared for over 40 children, shares his transformative journey from a street kid to a nurturing dad. He discusses the profound impact of kindness, the reality of trauma-informed parenting, and the importance of compassion over outcomes. Peter emphasizes that healing is a slow process and celebrates small victories in the midst of challenges. His insights into empathy, managing triggers, and understanding children's needs offer a fresh perspective on love and resilience in parenting.

Kids don’t need earlier tryouts—they need more backyard joy. In this conversation, former pro pitcher Dan Blewett shares how he started “late” by today’s standards, fell in love with the game through free play, and built the grit to endure multiple career-threatening injuries. He argues that early structure can crowd out wonder, and that the deepest resilience is born from neighborhood games, missed catches, and a parent who shows up—often with a bucket of balls. You’ll hear why sampling many sports beats specializing, how to nurture lifelong athletic identity without burnout, and what really keeps kids coming back when competition gets brutal. Dan gets practical for families: give your child “50 at-bats in the backyard,” let the umpire be wrong, focus on development over stats, and don’t wait for Dad—moms can coach, catch, and lead. We explore control vs. surrender, empathy on teams, and why sports should still feel like sunshine and sprinting at age 39. If you’re torn between club fees and simple play, this episode reframes youth sports around love first, training second, and memories that outlast any scoreboard. Learn more about Dan and everything he has to offer here Get your copy of This Slump Shall pass here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Ethan Hulse, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, Jess Cates, a prolific creator in family-friendly music, and Jordan Mohilowski, a multi-talented producer, share their journeys from shy kids to music industry success. They discuss how music fosters community, the impact of tech on creativity, and the power of outdoor childhood experiences. The trio introduces their new single, "Beautiful World," featuring Ginny's daughters, celebrating nature and family memories, while urging parents to encourage outdoor play and creativity.

Join master naturalist Eryn Lynum as she explores the profound connection between nature and our memories. Eryn emphasizes how outdoor experiences imprint on our senses and shape family bonding. She introduces practical ways to bring nature indoors with plants and fish tanks while advocating for slowing down and immersing in the outdoors. Discover her insights on reducing screen time, restoring natural rhythms, and the magic of seizing fleeting moments with children. Eryn's journey inspires a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its impact on faith and family.

Toddler expert Devon Kuntzman shares insights from her book, Transforming Toddlerhood. She reframes toddler years as a time of incredible growth filled with joy and developmental milestones. Kuntzman emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and scaffolding independence. She also dives into tantrums, explaining their role in emotional regulation. Additionally, she explores the benefits of roughhousing, outdoor play, and managing transitions, offering practical strategies that empower parents and nurture resilient children.

Kate Strickler, founder of the Naptime Kitchen and author of *I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen*, shares her insights on finding contentment. She humorously recounts a midnight pantry mishap while discussing how small changes can enhance our homes. Kate tackles the pressures of body image and social media comparisons, emphasizing that joy often comes from embracing simplicity. With a focus on motherhood and community, she reminds listeners that gratitude can transform ordinary moments into abundant ones.

Join award-winning journalist Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up With Your Phone, as she shares her journey to rediscovering joy in life. Catherine reveals how a late-night phone epiphany led her to embrace activities like guitar and rowing. She discusses the time-value paradox and why we often neglect fun, while highlighting the importance of true fun that fosters connection. With tips on overcoming perfectionism and nurturing curiosity, Catherine reminds us that delight is both local and inexpensive—perfect for families looking to reclaim joy.

Kristen Welch, CEO of Mercy House Global and author of Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, shares how a transformative trip to Kenya reshaped her family's approach to gratitude and entitlement. She discusses the dangers of comparison and the importance of parents modeling gratitude. Kristen emphasizes the power of boredom and slowing down in a screen-driven world, along with strategies for limiting tech use and encouraging reading. Her insights on underindulgence help foster appreciation, while letting kids face failure builds resilience for adult life.

Ruth Chou Simons, an artist, author, and mother of six, dives into the healing power of nature to combat our frantic, digital lives. She shares how Jesus’ lessons on wildflowers teach us to embrace individuality and resilience. With vivid stories, Ruth connects wildflowers to personal experiences, like painting in the ICU during her son’s injury to shift focus from fear to faith. The conversation encourages parents to cultivate unhurried lives, embrace tactile hobbies, and nurture meaningful relationships in a world that often rushes by.