The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
1000 Hours Outside
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast is the megaphone for the global 1000 Hours Outside movement, created to help people embrace hands-on living in a tech-saturated world. Hosted by bestselling author and founder Ginny Yurich, each episode explores the countercultural idea that kids - and adults - thrive when they choose real-world options over virtual ones. Featuring conversations with leading voices in parenting, nature, education, mental health, neuroscience, faith, and free play, and rooted in research and rich with practical encouragement, the show invites listeners to slow down, step outside, and join a growing movement committed to reclaiming childhood, reconnecting families, and restoring mental health - one hour at a time.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 10, 2025 • 59min
1KHO 646: The Moments That Change Our Lives Are the Little Moments | Rory Feek, Once Upon a Farm
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.
Dec 9, 2025 • 55min
1KHO 645: The Cost of Ignoring Our Limitations | Justin Whitmel Earley, The Body Teaches the Soul
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.
Dec 8, 2025 • 58min
1KHO 644: The Current Crisis in Human Attention | Dr. Marc Berman, Nature and the Mind
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.
Dec 7, 2025 • 57min
1KHO 643: A Connection to Something Timeless | SD Smith, Helmer and the Dragon Tomb
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.
Dec 6, 2025 • 1h 3min
1KHO 642: Most People Are Starved for Connection | Ben Swire, Safe Danger
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.
Dec 5, 2025 • 53min
1KHO 641: Movement Opens Up a Whole Other World to Children | Misty Copeland, BunHeads
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.
Dec 4, 2025 • 56min
1KHO 640: Children Improve Their Attention Spans Outside | Angela Hanscom, TimberNook
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.
Dec 3, 2025 • 57min
1KHO 639: Escaping the Attention Economy | Sharon Hodde Miller, Gazing at God
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.
Dec 2, 2025 • 58min
1KHO 638: If You Want Your Children to Read You Have to Limit Screen Time | Dr. Daniel Willingham, Why Don't Students Like School?
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.
Dec 1, 2025 • 53min
1KHO 637: The Gift of Growing Up Slowly | Russell York, COSMO
In this enlightening discussion, Russell York, founder of Cosmo Technologies, shares insights on childhood and technology. He advocates for delaying smartphone use to protect children's attention and imagination. Russell highlights the benefits of smartwatches as a tool for independence, enhancing kids' outdoor experiences and real-world confidence. He emphasizes the importance of fostering trust between parents and children, and how thoughtful tech choices can nurture healthier family dynamics. Their new partnership promoting the Cosmo x 1000 Hours Outside Adventure Bundle is also unveiled!
