The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

That Sounds Fun Network
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The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Childhood is finite at just shy of 9.5 million minutes. We only get one shot at it. One of the biggest decisions we make is how we will use that time. Research has confirmed time and time again that what children are naturally and unabashedly drawn to, unrestricted outside play, contributes extensively to every area of childhood development. The importance here cannot be understated. Every year we aim to match nature time with the average amount of American kid screen time (which is currently 1200 hours per year). Have a goal. Track your time outside. Take back childhood. Inspire others.

  1. 10H AGO

    1KHO 451: Trust Your Kids More and Worry About Them Less | Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, The Self-Driven Child

    Trust Your Kids More and Worry About Them Less isn’t just advice—it’s a revolutionary mindset that could change your parenting forever. In this powerful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich sits down with Ned Johnson and Dr. William Stixrud, authors of The Self-Driven Child and The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child, to explore what children really need to thrive in today’s high-pressure, performance-driven culture. Drawing from decades of experience in neuropsychology, education, and working with families, Ned and Bill share a deeply hopeful and science-backed message: when kids feel a sense of control over their lives, their mental health flourishes, their motivation ignites, and their joy returns. Together, they unpack the cultural myths that are crushing childhood—like the belief that success hinges on relentless achievement or acceptance to a prestigious college. Instead, they advocate for autonomy, play, radical downtime, and the steady practice of parental trust. With humor, warmth, and actionable insight, this conversation offers an honest look at the fears we carry as parents and how to loosen our grip without letting go. If you’ve ever wondered how to raise a resilient, happy, and truly self-driven child, this episode will equip you to start today—with confidence. ** Get your copy of The Seven Principles of a Self-Directed child here Learn more about Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

  2. 2D AGO

    1KHO 450: There is Good News Even in Sad Stories | Annie F. Downs, Where Did TJ Go?

    In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich is joined by beloved author and speaker Annie F. Downs to talk about the tender intersections of grief, growth, and God’s goodness. With warmth and vulnerability, Annie shares the story behind her new children’s book Where Did TJ Go?, co-written with her sister Tatum after the loss of Tatum’s infant son. Together, they created the book they couldn’t find—one that speaks gospel truth into the deepest sorrow, reminding kids (and their parents) that even in our saddest stories, good news remains. Annie and Ginny also explore the theme of redemption through Annie’s past struggles with quitting, self-image, food addiction, and grief, showing how perseverance, community, and grace have reshaped her story. From Radnor Lake sunrises to Zumba classes and the sacredness of small beginnings, Annie opens up about how beauty and healing often arrive in unexpected ways. With Scripture as their compass, the conversation winds through Psalms and personal memories, always circling back to this truth: our tears are seeds, and in time, they bring songs of joy. This episode is a balm for the soul—an invitation to see our own lives as stories in progress, full of sorrow, yes, but also bursting with hope. ** Get your copy of Where Did TJ Go? here Get your copy of Looking for Lovely here Learn more about Annie and all the wonderful things she has to offer here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m

  3. 3D AGO

    1KHO 449: An Adventure Doesn’t Occur Until There’s a Flop | Thom Barrett, Living While Dying

    What if the “flops” in life are actually the beginning of the real adventure? Thom Barrett joins Ginny Yurich on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to share how a cancer diagnosis—and a midlife awakening—sparked decades of daring outdoor exploration. From falling off a 20-foot cliff in Colorado to kayaking with piranhas in the Amazon, Thom’s adventures are bold, raw, and deeply human. He opens up about building a DIY winter camper, adventuring with his daughters, redefining purpose in retirement, and how cancer shifted his entire view of living. This conversation is packed with humor, wisdom, and inspiration for anyone who’s wondering if it’s too late—or too scary—to begin again. Spoiler: It’s not. ** Learn more about Thom here Get your copy of Living While Dying here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min

  4. 5D AGO

    1KHO 448: Have We Removed the Greatest Teacher About How to Live? | Suzanne B. O'Brien, The Good Death

    This is a must-listen-to episode!!! It's SO good and it will give you so much to ponder and talk about with others!! In this deeply moving episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with Suzanne O'Brien, author of The Good Death: A Guide to Supporting Your Loved One Through the End of Life. Suzanne, a registered nurse and death doula, offers a powerful, healing perspective on end-of-life care, emphasizing that death is not a medical event but a profoundly human experience. Through the lens of her expertise, Suzanne explores how we can reclaim the sacredness of dying, and the invaluable lessons it offers for living fully. She shares how, with the right knowledge and mindset, families can face death with peace and acceptance, avoiding regrets and embracing the opportunity for growth that end-of-life moments provide. Suzanne’s inspiring message encourages listeners to live each day with purpose, reflecting on the value of time and the importance of choosing to live fully—before we find ourselves looking back with regrets. This episode offers not just insights on how to support loved ones through the end of their journey, but also how to approach life itself with a heart full of gratitude, presence, and connection. A must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of both life and death, and how the two are inextricably linked. ** Get your copy of The Good Death here Learn more about Suzanne and all she has to offer here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

  5. MAR 19

    1KHO 447: The Powerful Lost Art of Becoming Mother | Beth Barbeau, Indigo Forest

    Beth Barbeau returns for her sixth appearance on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, and as always, she brings her signature wisdom, warmth, and practical insight. In this episode, Beth and Ginny dive into the concept of stretching—physically, mentally, and emotionally—throughout parenthood and life. From the unexpected challenges of new motherhood to the lifelong process of navigating change, Beth shares how embracing discomfort can lead to growth, resilience, and deeper connections with our children. Beth reminds us that motherhood is not just something we do—it is something we become. Raising small children may not look like world-changing work from the outside, but it is—every act of care, every moment of sacrifice, and every decision to show up shapes the future in profound ways. Beth also introduces her latest free webinar, How to Evaluate Your Sick Kids, along with her invaluable downloadable guide, Let Me Feel Your Forehead. This resource empowers parents with practical tools to assess and manage everyday childhood illnesses confidently at home, reducing unnecessary panic and medical visits. As always, Beth’s expertise goes beyond midwifery—she equips families with generational wisdom that strengthens not just parents, but entire communities. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant stretching of parenthood, this episode is a must-listen. This conversation is an encouragement to all mothers: you are braver than you think, and the work you do matters more than you know. This one has a few sound issues :). Thank you for your grace as we tried something new!! ** Check out Beth's new *free* webinar here Sign up for Beth's fabulous newsletter here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 36m

  6. MAR 17

    1KHO 446: The Transformative Power of 10 Hours of Recess Each Week | Kensie Wiebe, Timbernook

    In this inspiring episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich talks with Kensie Wiebe about the groundbreaking initiative of incorporating TimberNook's outdoor play program into a traditional school. Kensie shares how her school made the bold move to offer 10 hours of outdoor play each week, fostering a deeper connection to nature and allowing kids the space for unstructured, autonomous play. She highlights the benefits of mixed-age groups, the importance of longer outdoor sessions, and how these changes have had a lasting impact on the children’s emotional, social, and physical development. Kensie also discusses how this shift has not only benefited the students but has improved teacher satisfaction as well, with teachers noting higher productivity and better engagement in the classroom. As the program continues to grow, Kensie reflects on the ripple effect this initiative has created, challenging the conventional approach to education by prioritizing play and outdoor time. This episode will leave you reconsidering the importance of nature in children’s development and how schools can play a key role in transforming the way we educate. ** Find out more about how to bring TimberNook to your school or your area here Get a copy of Balanced and Barefoot here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

  7. MAR 16

    1KHO 445: From Ninja Warrior to Nature | Anthony Porter, Outdoor Anthony

    In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich chats with Anthony Porter, a four-time American Ninja Warrior contender, nature educator, and creator of the Epic Nature Journal. We dive into Anthony’s incredible journey from parkour to outdoor survival, his passion for helping kids embrace nature, and his unique perspective on adventure. Anthony shares his top tips for getting outside, from survival skills to finding your personal "totem" for outdoor fun. His hilarious, hands-on approach to education, including how to clean wounds with a banana peel and the fascinating science behind snakes’ heat-sensing abilities, will inspire listeners of all ages to reconnect with nature and embrace their own adventurous spirit. Whether you're a parent looking for fresh ways to spark outdoor interest in your kids or a nature lover seeking new challenges, this episode is full of inspiration and laughter. ** Check out Anthony's Epic Nature Journal here Find everything Anthony Porter here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  8. MAR 12

    1KHO 444: It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn | Greta Eskridge

    In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Ginny Yurich welcomes back her dear friend Greta Eskridge for a critical discussion on protecting children from the pervasive reach of porn. Greta shares her own family’s journey, the hard-earned wisdom she’s gained from years of research, and the urgent need for parents to step into these conversations with courage. From shocking statistics to practical scripts, this episode equips parents with the tools to safeguard their kids' innocence and prepare them for a world where exposure is almost inevitable. We tackle why the industry is working so hard to normalize porn, the lifelong impact of early exposure, and how we can build a compelling offline life for our kids. Greta’s new book, It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn, is more than a resource—it’s a battle cry for parents to rise up and fight for the next generation. This is not an easy conversation, but it’s one we must have. Don't miss it. ** Get your copy of It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m
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    Childhood is finite at just shy of 9.5 million minutes. We only get one shot at it. One of the biggest decisions we make is how we will use that time. Research has confirmed time and time again that what children are naturally and unabashedly drawn to, unrestricted outside play, contributes extensively to every area of childhood development. The importance here cannot be understated. Every year we aim to match nature time with the average amount of American kid screen time (which is currently 1200 hours per year). Have a goal. Track your time outside. Take back childhood. Inspire others.

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