The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Youth sports have evolved from casual neighborhood games to a multi-billion-dollar industry where kids are often treated as commodities. In this episode, Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, delve into how today’s sports culture is pressuring kids to perform rather than enjoy play. They reflect on the rise of elite programs, the loss of amateurism, and the overwhelming influence of money on what was once a simple, joyful part of childhood. With raw honesty, they discuss the impact of this commercialization on kids’ mental health, relationships, and desire to continue participating in sports. As parents, we are often caught in a cycle of pushing our kids to be the best, sometimes at the expense of their happiness and self-worth. Brian and Ed share the “silent killer” of kids’ love for sports— the dreaded car ride home after the game, where criticism often replaces celebration. They discuss why it's crucial to shift the focus from winning at all costs to fostering character, emotional resilience, and healthy self-expression. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about reclaiming joy, the importance of play, and how we, as parents, can break free from the youth sports industrial complex to allow our children to truly thrive. Get your copy of Away Game here A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  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. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you’re looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Cozy Earth - Upgrade your summer sleep at www.cozyearth.com and use code OUTSIDE for 40% off their best-selling sheets, loungewear, and more. Lagoon - Go to LagoonSleep.com/OUTSIDE and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.Use the code OUTSIDE for 15% off your first purchase Brave Books - Right now, you can get 20% off your first purchase at www.BRAVEBooks.com/1000hours with the code 1000HOURS. COSMO - Right now, COSMO is running an amazing back-to-school deal, plus free shipping and a risk-free 30-day guarantee. Head to www.cosmotogether.com/1KHO  to grab one today. NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this eye-opening episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Dr. Madeline Levine, one of the leading voices in parenting, returns for her second appearance to share vital insights on how anxiety is stunting both children and parents in today’s fast-paced world. From hyper-parenting to the pursuit of perfection, Dr. Levine explores the damage done when we allow our own worries to dictate how we parent, urging us to embrace a long-term view on success. With over 45 years of experience in child development, she offers invaluable wisdom on how play, emotional intelligence, and resilience should take precedence over grades and accolades. As she puts it, “Healthy development takes more than high grades,” and “Kids are entitled to a childhood.” Dr. Levine emphasizes the crucial role parents play in fostering autonomy in their children—ultimately creating a sense of security and self-reliance that can only come from a thriving home environment. She champions the idea that enthusiasm, creativity, and a rich sense of purpose in parents are key to raising resilient, well-rounded kids. Parents, she reminds us, are entitled to a life of their own, and when they model a thriving, well-balanced existence, their children are empowered to do the same. This episode is a powerful call to shift our focus from external pressures to what really matters: the health, happiness, and well-being of our families in an uncertain world. Get your copy of Teach Your Children Well here Get your copy of Ready or Not here Get your copy of The Price of Privilege here A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  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. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you’re looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Cozy Earth - Upgrade your summer sleep at www.cozyearth.com and use code OUTSIDE for 40% off their best-selling sheets, loungewear, and more. Lagoon - Go to LagoonSleep.com/OUTSIDE and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.Use the code OUTSIDE for 15% off your first purchase Brave Books - Right now, you can get 20% off your first purchase at www.BRAVEBooks.com/1000hours with the code 1000HOURS. COSMO - Right now, COSMO is running an amazing back-to-school deal, plus free shipping and a risk-free 30-day guarantee. Head to www.cosmotogether.com/1KHO  to grab one today. NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Tara Sun, author of Overbooked and Overwhelmed, shares her raw, real experience navigating the chaos of modern life. Tara's story resonates with anyone who's felt the pressure of saying "yes" to everything and how it often leads to burnout and overwhelm. She reflects on the importance of saying "no" without guilt, learning that each "yes" means saying no to something else—whether it's family time, personal rest, or sanity. Tara dives into the concept of limitations being liberating, and how the pressure to keep up with hustle culture often leaves us with little space to breathe or connect with what truly matters. With a focus on reclaiming space for what’s important, Tara offers practical wisdom on how to slow down in a world that encourages constant busyness. From learning to rest in God’s presence to battling social media comparison, this conversation is an empowering call to reconsider how we prioritize our time. For anyone trying to juggle life’s many demands while staying grounded, this episode is for you. Tara's vulnerability and insight remind us all that we don’t have to do it all—and that sometimes, saying "no" is the most powerful choice we can make. A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  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. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you’re looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Cozy Earth - Upgrade your summer sleep at www.cozyearth.com and use code OUTSIDE for 40% off their best-selling sheets, loungewear, and more. Lagoon - Go to LagoonSleep.com/OUTSIDE and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.Use the code OUTSIDE for 15% off your first purchase Brave Books - Right now, you can get 20% off your first purchase at www.BRAVEBooks.com/1000hours with the code 1000HOURS. COSMO - Right now, COSMO is running an amazing back-to-school deal, plus free shipping and a risk-free 30-day guarantee. Head to www.cosmotogether.com/1KHO  to grab one today. NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, a favorite guest Heather Thompson Day returns for her second conversation, diving into the tough realities of childhood bullying and how we can protect our children from harm. Drawing from her own experiences, Heather discusses the impact of exclusion, the importance of empathy, and how the brand-new children's book she wrote with her daughter London called Can I Sit Here?, is helping kids understand and process loneliness and bullying. Heather also shares a unique practice she’s used to track God’s faithfulness, reinforcing the power of resilience and gratitude in challenging times. This episode is a reminder that as parents, we must recognize the gravity of our children’s emotional struggles and step in to guide them. It’s about teaching them to stand up for themselves and others, while also showing them how to be the kind of friend who sees and supports others in need. Heather offers not just stories, but actionable insights that will resonate with any parent navigating the complexities of childhood today. Get your copy of Can I Sit Here? for you and friends here Check out Kim John Payne's book Emotionally Resilient Teens and Tweens here A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:  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. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you’re looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Cozy Earth - Upgrade your summer sleep at www.cozyearth.com and use code OUTSIDE for 40% off their best-selling sheets, loungewear, and more. Lagoon - Go to LagoonSleep.com/OUTSIDE and take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.Use the code OUTSIDE for 15% off your first purchase Brave Books - Right now, you can get 20% off your first purchase at www.BRAVEBooks.com/1000hours with the code 1000HOURS. COSMO - Right now, COSMO is running an amazing back-to-school deal, plus free shipping and a risk-free 30-day guarantee. Head to www.cosmotogether.com/1KHO  to grab one today. NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling novelist Amanda Dykes, known for her heartwarming tales and exploration of nature, shares her inspiring journey from English teacher to acclaimed author. She discusses the profound impact of grief on creativity and the making of her enchanting children's book, A Pocketful of Wonder. Amanda highlights the power of imagination, the importance of beauty in our lives, and how nurturing wonder in children is essential. From concrete poems to the magic of nature, this conversation encourages embracing the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us.

Join Dr. Tom Cowan, a physician and advocate for common sense parenting, as he shares transformative insights from his book, 'Common Sense Child Rearing.' He emphasizes the importance of truly listening to children and challenges mainstream medical and educational norms. From navigating safety and independence to the vital role of play, Cowan advocates for a parenting approach that prioritizes childhood autonomy and critical thinking. This thought-provoking conversation will inspire parents to embrace their role as their child's fiercest ally.

Morgan Garner, a devoted advocate for increasing playtime in schools, and Catherine Truman, a mother of four and passionate supporter of active school days, dive into the critical need for more recess. They discuss how the challenges of mental health and academic engagement in children can be traced back to reduced playtime. With just 22 minutes of recess daily, they highlight the importance of play for cognitive and social development, making a compelling case for reimagining school structures to prioritize fun and movement. Their mission emphasizes that recess is essential for learning, not a break from it.

Mike McLeod, an executive function specialist and founder of GrowNOW ADHD, dives into the screen-driven youth mental health crisis. He argues that reducing screen time is essential for developing vital skills like self-regulation and self-motivation. Mike shares insights from his upcoming book, highlighting the significance of executive functioning over grades. He discusses how parents can navigate technology, foster independence in children, and implement proactive strategies for real-life learning. This candid conversation empowers families to take action for better mental health outcomes.

Sean Pessara of Mindful Farmer Arkansas, a champion of sustainable agriculture, shares insights on transforming backyard gardens into productive spaces. He emphasizes the urgent need for more farmers embracing regenerative practices. Listeners learn about innovative techniques like high tunnels to extend growing seasons and practical tools for efficient gardening. Sean also discusses the joy of engaging families in gardening, fostering a connection with nature, and inspiring the next generation to cultivate their own food.

Janelle Anderson, co-founder of The Haven Farmstead in Tennessee and host of The Farmstead Revival Podcast, shares her inspiring journey of transformation. She and her husband left a cattle ranch in North Dakota to embrace a raw land lifestyle. Janelle discusses the lessons learned from childhood, the joy of cheese-making as a form of connection, and the importance of community engagement through their dairy products. She emphasizes the power of patience in daily life and how generations can influence our paths. This conversation is a beacon for anyone considering a bold change.