The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

This conversation will change how you see almost every frustrating moment in your day because it shows you what’s actually happening underneath it. Dr. Kelly Flanagan explains the exact moment your heart closes, why small things feel so big, and how quickly disconnection takes over in marriage, parenting, and everyday life. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it and you don’t need anyone else to change for it to start working. This gives you a clear, practical way to shift from reacting to connecting, right in the middle of real life. Ginny calls Kelly's book the most life-changing book she's read! Get your copy of The Road Less Triggered here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one is as big as it gets. Three of the Dude Perfect guys (Tyler, Coby, and Garrett) join the show, and underneath the trick shots and the massive platform is something so inspiring: they built their lives on hands-on experiences, deep friendships, and stories worth reading. We talk about their new book Operation Trick Shot, their new outdoor channel, and their new podcast. Dude Perfect is always expanding and trying new things. We also discuss how to aim for kind of childhood that includes being outside, doing real things, and sharing it with people you love. And then Winnie Yurich jumps in. Ginny's nine-year-old brings some questions in this episode for a little twist! Get your copy of Operation Trick Shot here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People reading in an airport shouldn’t feel rare... but it does, and that’s exactly where this conversation with Jack Carr lands. In his fifth appearance, Jack returns with his tenth book and a clear mission: rebuild a culture of readers in a world designed to keep us scrolling. This episode moves from the power of story to the cost of distraction, from empathy and imagination to what happens when we stop practicing both. Jack shares the heart behind The Fourth Option, the responsibility he feels to get better with every book, and why reading is so much more than just a hobby. Reading helps kids and adults think deeply, feel deeply, and stand out because they’ve chosen something harder and better. Look no further for your Father's Day shopping!! Get your copy of The Fourth Option here Check out Jack Carr and all he has to offer (it's a lot!!!) including his podcast, merch, info about TV series, book club, newsletter and more here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s something in all of us that still wants to be held, guided, and reassured and it doesn’t go away when we grow up. In this Mother’s Day conversation, Ginny Yurich sits down with Alex Seeley to talk about the kind of comfort we’re actually looking for, whether we realize it or not and how the Holy Spirit meets us right there in it. They get into her childhood spent imagining and making her own fun, what we lose when our lives are too full and too loud, and the wild story of moving her family across the world with no real plan. It’s about learning to slow down, learning to listen, and realizing you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Find Alex’s book The Divine Counselor at here Learn more about Alex and all she has to offer here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one will change the way you see every forecast, every storm, every ordinary day outside. On this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with meteorologist Chris Bruin about why weather isn’t something to endure. Instead, it’s something to experience, learn from, and even lean into as a family. From chasing blizzards and hurricanes to noticing clouds with your kids out the window, Chris makes a compelling case that curiosity about the sky can pull us back into wonder and connection. They talk about raising resilient kids, taking young children on real adventures, and how the elements themselves (wind, storms, shade) can shape who we become if we let them. This episode an invitation to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start stepping outside together, right now. Follow Chris on Instagram here ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Something is going wrong in childhood, and most of us can feel it. We’re rushing kids forward and wondering why they’re struggling to become themselves. In this powerful conversation, Ginny Yurich sits down with Dr. Deborah MacNamara to unpack what children actually need to grow: deep rest in relationship, wide-open play, and the freedom to feel their full range of emotions. Drawing from Rest, Play, Grow, Deborah explains why maturity is not a guarantee, why play is the birthplace of personhood, and why “tears of futility” are not a problem to fix but a process that helps children become resilient human beings . This episode will change how you see tantrums, learning, and even your role as a parent—offering a steady, sane path forward in a world that keeps pushing kids too far, too fast. Don't miss it and remember to send it to friends and family who need to hear this message. Get your copy of Rest, Play, Grow here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting feels so much harder than it should and this conversation explains why. In this powerful and unforgettable episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with Gordon Neufeld to talk about a critical shift that has changed childhood over the past many decades: kids turning to peers instead of parents for guidance, identity, and belonging. Drawing from his book Hold On to Your Kids, Dr. Neufeld shows why no parenting strategy can replace relationship, why independence has been misunderstood, and why the real work is getting your child’s heart back. This one will change how you see behavior, discipline, screens, and even the pressure to “socialize” kids and it will leave you with a deep sense that it’s not too late to rebuild what matters most. Get your copy of Hold On to Your Kids here Learn more about Dr. Neufeld and all he has to offer: https://neufeldinstitute.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Epstein just handed parents a whole new way to think about creativity, childhood, and the everyday limits we usually try to escape. In this fascinating episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with the bestselling author of Range and Inside the Box about why complete freedom often leads to conformity, how constraints can make us more inventive, and why kids may actually become more creative when they have fewer options, less input, and more time outside. From Pixar to Dr. Seuss, Kyrie Irving, Keith Jarrett, childhood chores, multitasking, and the hidden cost of too much autonomy, David makes a powerful case that the boundaries in our lives are not always holding us back. Often, they are the very things that help us grow. Find David’s work and books at davidepstein.com, including Range and Inside the Box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go to bearwoodsresort.com/1000 to sign up for the Mother's Day Giveaway! A pile of tires, a broken-down property, and a decision that could have easily failed — that’s where this story starts. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny sits down with longtime friend John Sowash, co-founder of Bear Woods Resort, to talk about what it actually takes to build something from scratch with five kids, limited resources, and no clear roadmap. From learning how to run heavy machinery to solving problems never encountered before, John shares how the hardest parts of the journey shaped the skills, confidence, and creativity that now serve both his family and the families who come to stay. This is a conversation about camping, Northern Michigan, entrepreneurship, and why the people who can do a little bit of everything are the ones everyone calls. Explore Bear Woods Resort and book your vacation at bearwoodsresort.com and join the Mother's Day Giveaway at bearwoodsresort.com/1000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So often everything feels urgent but this conversation with Amber Lia gently pulls you back to what actually matters. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with Amber to talk about raising teens in a world full of pressure, walking with a child through anxiety and depression, and the surprising power of being seen, known, and steady when emotions run high. From writing a devotional with her son to overcoming anger, exhaustion, and unhealthy patterns, Amber shares hard-won wisdom that feels both grounding and doable whether you’re parenting little kids, navigating the teen years, or trying to reset your own habits. This is a conversation about hope in the middle of real life, about choosing presence over pressure, and about trusting that there really is enough time for the things that matter most. Find Amber’s books, courses, and resources at https://amberlia.com and connect with her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/amberlia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Modern life keeps telling our brains that everything is urgent, and Dr. Elisha Goldstein says that is exactly why so many of us feel overwhelmed even when nothing is technically wrong. In this deeply helpful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with Dr. Goldstein, psychologist and author of Tiny Shifts, about techno-stress, the overwhelm loop, why our bodies get stuck in urgency, and how small emotional pivots can actually change the way we move through stress, parenting, relationships, and daily life. From taking one breath and lowering your shoulders to asking better questions, naming what you feel, savoring good moments, and getting outside with your kids even when they resist, this conversation is full of simple practices that feel doable in real life. Learn more about Dr. Elisha Goldstein at elishagoldstein.com andcheck out his book Tiny Shifts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't miss a SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP Offer below!!! There are moments when a parent starts wondering if there might be another way to do education and this conversation is for that exact moment. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with Jennifer Burns, founder and head of school at American Faith Academy and president of Excelara, about homeschooling, hybrid education, classical Christian learning, and why families do not have to figure it all out alone. Jennifer shares her own story of homeschooling before it was common, raising her boys through a hybrid model, and now helping families find a more flexible, parent-centered path. This is a deeply encouraging episode for anyone who feels overwhelmed by school decisions, unsure about the next step, or simply hungry for more time, more freedom, and a childhood that leaves room for family, faith, books, hard things, outdoor play, and the simple beauty of hopscotch on the sidewalk. *** Now about the amazing SCHOLARSHIP offer!*** We’ve partnered with American Faith Academy, and they’re offering a $1,000 tuition scholarship for the 2026–2027 school year for families in the 1000 Hours Outside community. How amazing is that?? If you’ve been looking for an educational option that aligns more closely with your values—something flexible, family-centered, and supportive—this is definitely worth checking out. The scholarship is available through August 15th, so you do have a window, but not a huge one. You can learn more AmericanFaithAcademy.org - just fill out the form at that landing page to learn more!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reality is starting to get a bad reputation and that should concern all of us. In this thought-provoking episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with Joshua Pauling, co-author of Are We All Cyborgs Now?, about the growing idea that real life is something to escape rather than engage. From AI relationships and digital avatars to the subtle ways technology reshapes how we think, relate, and even define what it means to be human, this conversation goes into all of it! What happens when ease replaces effort, when simulated connection replaces real relationships, and when the friction that forms us is engineered out of everyday life? And what do we lose when reality itself is framed as a privilege? This episode is both a warning and an invitation to step back into the kind of life that builds resilience, depth, and meaning in a world increasingly designed to pull us away from it. Get your copy of Are We All Cyborgs Now? here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mornings are not just about alarms, routines, or becoming a 5 a.m. person. In this warm and joy-filled episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with beloved author Jennifer Dukes Lee about her new book, How to Love Your Morning, and the deeper invitation tucked inside the first moments of every day. Jennifer shares why she believes everyone is a morning person, how the night before shapes the day ahead, what grief taught her about sacred rhythms, and the concept of good overwhelm. This conversation is full of faith, laughter, practical ideas, and a beautiful reminder that God keeps stitching new mercies into every morning. Find Jennifer’s work here and get a copy of How to Love Your Morning here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gary Brecka says some of the most powerful health changes are also the simplest ones: morning sunlight, real food, better sleep, daily movement, and a body that remembers it was made for the natural world. In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich talks with Gary about why getting outside first thing in the day can change everything from mood and focus to sleep and long-term health, why the absence of processed food matters, and how parents can begin with small, free shifts that fit into everyday life. Listen to Gary on The Ultimate Human Podcast and explore his work at TheUltimateHuman.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The number one personal development skill is interpersonal curiosity and yet a lot of us don’t quite know what to do once a conversation gets past the basics. You're going to love this one and get so much out of it! Heather Holleman, author of ⁠The Six Conversations⁠, joins Ginny Yurich on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to talk about what actually helps. This is a really practical conversation about how to ask better questions, how to listen in a way that makes people feel known, and how to keep things going without it feeling forced or awkward. There are ideas here you can use right away with your kids, your friends, and the people you see every day. They also talk about loneliness, faith, and Heather’s middle grade novel ⁠This Seat’s Saved⁠, which weaves so naturally into the heart of this message. Find her books and resources at ⁠https://heatherholleman.com⁠. Get your copy of The Six Conversations and put it in your purse just like Ginny does! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply personal episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with Elise Heerde, author of After the Exit, about what happens when families raise concerns in places that are supposed to protect children and are punished instead of heard. Together they explore high-control communities, the weaponization of belonging, and the lasting impact these experiences can have on both kids and families. At its core, this conversation is about child safety and well-being. Elise helps explain why child safety depends on adults being allowed to ask hard questions, trust their instincts, and speak up without fear. Find Elise’s work, coaching, and resources at the Religious Trauma Collective and get a copy of After the Exit . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Vanderbilt joins Ginny Yurich on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast for a conversation about becoming a beginner again, even when adulthood makes it easy to stay on the sidelines. Thank you for bearing with some audio imperfections in this episode. The conversation itself is such a worthwhile one. Tom’s book Beginners is funny, thoughtful, and incredibly motivating, and this episode will make you want to try something new, let your kids see you struggle a little, and remember that learning does not have to belong only to childhood! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Kovac brings such a helpful father’s perspective to this conversation about homeschooling, work, maturity, and what actually prepares kids for adult life. Ginny and Dan talk about energetic kids, myths about homeschooling, the skills that matter most in today’s world, and why independence, teachability, time management, and real-life problem solving matter so much more than simply checking boxes. This one is full of wisdom, warmth, and the kind of perspective that helps parents breathe easier about the future. Explore Rachel Kovac’s book Their Future Is Shining Bright here and share this episode with someone who is trying to raise a child who can step into the world with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Katayama joins Ginny Yurich on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast for a thoughtful conversation about what Japanese culture can teach us about raising kids who are more capable, considerate, and at ease in the world. Ginny and Lisa talk through independence, cleanliness, sleep, food, nature, and the kind of daily expectations that shape children over time. What makes this conversation so strong is that it does not romanticize anything. Lisa shares the beauty of a culture that teaches kids to care for others from the beginning, while also being honest about the pressure that can place on mothers. It is the kind of episode that makes you step back, rethink what feels “normal,” and wonder whether some of the things we assume are necessary might not be. Grab your copy of The Japanese Way of Parenting here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices