The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

This special September Sunday episode is a deep breath for weary and wondering parents. Ginny welcomes author and podcaster Maeve Jemison to dismantle the most persistent homeschool myths—socialization, schedules, screens, “I’m not patient enough,” “we both work,” single parenting homeschool, and more—and to show why home can be the ultimate individualized education plan. Maeve shares how she pulled her daughter mid-year, moved from all-online to books on the couch, and discovered what so many families eventually see: kids thrive when we protect curiosity, right-size academics, build life skills, and make room for joy. It’s practical, eye-opening, and deeply affirming—exactly the reset you need heading into a new homeschool week. You’ll leave with concrete, calming takeaways: flexible rhythms that work for dual-income and single-parent homes, why functional literacy doesn’t require full-time school hours, and how embracing many ways to be smart unlocks confidence for every learner. This conversation is part of our September Sunday series designed to help you start each week steady and supported. Listen, share with a friend who’s on the fence, and keep the encouragement coming. • Get Maeve’s book: Home Is Where the Truth Is: Why You Can and Should Homeschool Your Child • Listen to Maeve’s podcast: Homeschooling for Catholic Parents — Listen on Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beloved guest Luis Fernando Llosa returns with a simple, gritty rescue plan for modern families: rebuild the family base camp so your kids can handle pressure, bullying, and performance culture without losing their joy. We dig into free play over frenzy, why most kids quit organized sports by 13, and how to prepare your child for the possibility of many job changes in adulthood. Resources: Emotionally Resilient Tweens and Teens by Luis Fernando Llosa and Kim John Payne Beyond Winning: Smart Parenting in a Toxic Sports Environment by Luis Fernando Llosa, Kim John Payne, and Scott Lancaster Whole Child Sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heart-opening conversation, Ted Page and Ginny explore why grandfathers are oddly absent from popular culture—and why their presence might be exactly what modern families are missing. Drawing on Ted’s new book, Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood, and voices from grandpas across cultures and generations, they unpack the joy (chocolate for breakfast!), the work (moving rocks, building character), and the legacy (forever letters, shared stories) that knit families together. Learn more about Ted’s work and community at GoodGrandpa.com and find his book there, too. Ted makes a compelling case that today’s grandparents are the first to inherit the internet—and can use it to reduce screens, not increase them: FaceTime for connection, emails as “forever letters,” and then power down for books, brooks, clay pits, and tree climbs. You’ll leave with a simple mantra from Aunt Lois—“be there for them”—and practical ideas for welcoming grandparents in as allies who protect childhood, strengthen parents, and pass down love that outlives us. If this encourages you, share it with a grandparent (or grandparent-to-be), and grab more nature-rich family resources at 1000HoursOutside.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heart-lifting conversation, Ginny sits down with author and mama of nine Amy Hughes to explore how ordinary phrases shape extraordinary childhoods—often more than we realize. From the “funny” comment a six-year-old takes as literal truth, to why “be careful” and “calm down” backfire, Amy shows simple swaps that lower fear, raise connection, and help kids think for themselves. You’ll hear practical ideas like creating a cozy “time-in” spot, ordering the environment instead of the child, and aiming for a five-to-one ratio of encouragement to correction—plus the courage to say the most powerful two words in a family: “I’m sorry.” Learn more about Amy’s work and find her gentle, faith-filled voice here: Words Like Honey (book), @simplelittleamy, and simplelittleamy.com. We also wade into the tender dance of letting go as kids grow and how to grant real autonomy while staying a safe, steady place to land. It’s a conversation for parents who want fewer ultimatums, more wisdom, and a home atmosphere that heals. If you’ve ever wondered how to speak life into your family when emotions run high, this episode will meet you right where you are and give you language you can use today. Share it with a friend who needs a hopeful nudge. 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. Capstone Wellness - For over 24 years, Capstone has helped thousands of families on their path to healing. Learn more at capstonewellness.com/1000hours NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Wayfair - Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. 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

What if boyhood isn’t a problem to fix—but a strength to steward? In this energizing, tender conversation, Ginny Yurich and author Rebekah Lovell dismantle the myth that lively boys need taming. From a golf-cart rescue on Rebekah’s farm to the everyday habits that build courage and character, they name what our culture gets wrong: over-scheduling, medicating drive, and treating noise, dirt, and risk like defects. They also offer a hopeful path back with ideas like service before entertainment, real responsibility, and wide-open hours outside. You’ll leave with a practical playbook for reviving boyhood at any age: daily read-alouds, purposeful risk (trees, tools, real work), and simple rhythms that turn “busy” into brave. Start Rebekah’s free Outdoor Reading Club to pair books with sunshine, then use this episode as your nudge to cut screen clutter, unschedule a little, and watch initiative bloom. If you’ve sensed that childhood is being tamed indoors, this is your permission and your plan to bring back wonder, grit, joy and lots of dirt. Get your copy of Boyhood Resurrected here Explore the mission the ⁠Warrior Poet Society⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philosopher and author Dr. Kay Toombs joins Ginny to name the thing so many parents feel but can’t quite describe—a hyperactive worldview that trains us (and our kids) to crave instant results and reject slow, quiet, real life. Drawing on her brilliantly researched book, Changing Our Minds (get the book), and decades living in an intergenerational, agrarian community, Kay explains how always-on tech reshapes attention, dulls imagination, and erodes empathy, while crafts and time outdoors rebuild patience the old-fashioned way. From the contagious joy of teens knitting their first headbands to kids discovering where dinner actually comes from, this conversation makes a compelling case for trading dopamine-on-demand for the deep satisfaction of making, tending, and waiting. It’s also a practical playbook for families on the edge of burnout. Kay and Ginny outline how to replace screens with compelling alternatives, form a small tribe of like-minded families, and trust kids with real responsibility—steps that restore attention, confidence, and connection. If your home feels like it’s speeding up while patience is wearing thin, start here: explore resources at 1000 Hours Outside, then queue the episode and share it with a friend (listen on Apple Podcasts or listen on Spotify). This is a hopeful, hands-on roadmap for resisting hurry and raising children who can notice, wait, wonder, and love well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus Sunday episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich sits down with unschooling mom Raven Kramer to make a beautifully simple case: when we let kids be kids, learning takes root. Raven shares how healing her own story shaped a “life schooling” approach where play isn’t fluff - it’s physics, literacy, fractions, and emotional intelligence in disguise. From board-game math and baking-as-fractions to skatepark conversations with people of all ages, Ginny and Raven reframe socialization, champion boredom as the doorway to creativity, and offer sane screen habits that put curiosity back in charge. Follow Raven on Instagram at @ravennkramer and learn more about her nature-based community at Wild School of Tampa Bay. You’ll also hear practical rhythms for dual-working households, why “outside” is a classroom, and how to make homeschool more affordable—from museum discounts to the fourth-grade Every Kid Outdoors pass (link). Want to go deeper? Ginny references Peter Gray’s Free to Learn and Angela Hanscom’s Balanced & Barefoot . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this off-beat, surprisingly aligned episode, Ginny sits down with producer Brennan McPherson to unpack Light of the World—a hand-drawn, theater-released animated feature that tells the life of Jesus through the eyes of a teenage John. Brennan shares how a small nonprofit rallied 400 artists over four years to make a reverent, funny, deeply human film that families can actually enjoy together—because the goal isn’t more screen time, it’s real-life connection. From the historically plausible ages of the disciples to Studio-Ghibli-level visual care, the film becomes a coming-of-age story about courage, friendship, and choosing the harder right—exactly the kind of conversations we want after a night at the movies. See showtimes or grab tickets here: lightoftheworld.com. Brennan also shares the project’s heartbeat: using beauty and simplicity to move people off devices and into embodied relationships. You’ll hear how his family’s six-line “Salvation Poem”—now translated into 100+ languages—became a memorable tool kids (and parents) can keep in their back pocket (salvationpoem.com). If your home values time outdoors, creativity, and the kind of stories that linger on the walk back to the car, this conversation will meet you right where you live. Light of the World is out now—make it a family outing this week: lightoftheworld.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rabbits, worms, sheep…and a whole lot of hope. In this lively, can-do conversation, Ginny meets homesteader and educator Laura Cox—the new friend she made at the Homestead Festival—who shows how ordinary families can reclaim food, skills, and sanity without moving to 50 acres. Laura de-mystifies meat rabbits (hello, “bunny berries” that are cold compost and garden-ready), explains simple worm-bin systems you can feed twice a year, and shares why rabbits are the highest protein per gram of the common meats—plus how quiet, low-odor setups can work in a garage, subdivision, or even with an HOA. You’ll hear how her one-income family traded grocery premiums for hands-on, joy-filled work; how agritourism, workshops, and even rabbit-poop sales (!) became a family economy; and why “learning by doing” grows confident kids and connected communities. We also roam through hair sheep and rotational grazing, a forthcoming Young Homesteader book on rabbits (with homeschool tie-ins), and the small businesses Laura spun up from her kitchen—like DIY elderberry syrup kits and a clean seasoned salt blend. It’s a fresh, funny, deeply practical episode that will have you eyeing your yard, your budget, and your week with new imagination. Start with one simple win (zinnias, anyone?), then build from there. Tap the links, listen with a friend, and share with a parent who needs a hopeful on-ramp today: Cox Homestead (workshops, mentorships, farm experiences): https://cox-homestead.com Laura’s Etsy shop (elderberry kits & seasoned salt): https://www.etsy.com/shop (search “Cox Homestead”) The Homestead Festival: https://www.thehomesteadfestival.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a family of six points themselves south and walks the entire Pacific Crest Trail—Canada to Mexico—with kids ages 16, 14, 13, and 11? In this powerful conversation, author Vince Strawbridge ( Pretty Good at Walking ) shares the decision to trade GPAs and schedules for a five-month “classroom with no walls,” and what the trail taught them about capacity, character, and family. We get inside the real logistics—mailing food boxes, burning through shoes, racing post-office hours, learning trail lingo like hiker boxes and trail magic—and the real parenting: discerning pain vs. injury, pacing to your slowest hiker, letting your fastest lead ahead, and discovering that shared suffering forges a different kind of bond. Vince explains why southbounders see less “trail magic,” how their daily mileage jumped from 14 to 26, what night hiking felt like, and why time itself feels different after you’ve measured days by footsteps and first light. But this isn’t just a hiking story—it’s a hope story for parents. Vince describes kids who changed without a single test score; a daughter who learned she quits at 98% of a hill and now pushes the last 2%; a son who found quiet grit; and a dad who came home and rebuilt his work around simplicity because the trail widened his range for discomfort—and joy. We talk growth-through-hard-things (“soon we will be cozy and dry”), why putting yourself in the path of an adventure that’s also for you is the secret sauce, and how extended family and “trail angels” were pulled into the story along the way. If you’ve ever wondered whether a big, out-of-the-box adventure could form your kids (and you) in ways a classroom can’t—this episode will light a spark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an era where smartphones slip into children’s hands long before they’re ready, parents are left asking the same desperate question: What should I do about my kids and technology? Dr. Jean Twenge, renowned psychologist, researcher, and author of iGen and Generations, returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast with a lifeline: her brand-new book Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. Drawing on decades of data and her own experience raising three teens, Dr. Twenge explains why depression among teens doubled between 2011 and 2019, how smartphones rewired childhood almost overnight, and why conversations alone aren’t enough. Rules, she argues, aren’t restrictions—they’re the guardrails that preserve sleep, mental health, independence, and joy. From the rule of “no phones in bedrooms” to “pick an age and stick with it,” Dr. Twenge outlines a blueprint every family can adapt today. She shows how saying “not yet” to screens actually says “yes” to resilience, friendships, reading, play, and confidence. This episode is both sobering and empowering, reminding parents that they’re not powerless in a tech-saturated culture. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Twenge hands us the rulebook we’ve been waiting for. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Twenge’s new book: Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a world where every fact is at our fingertips, but what about the questions no search engine can resolve—What makes a good mother? What does the person next to me fear the most? Author Anna Mitchael joins Ginny to share insights from her book They Will Tell You The World Is Yours, a collection of short, powerful vignettes that push back on the cultural noise of “they say.” Together they explore why curiosity flourishes outdoors, how simple road trips can reshape a family, and what happens when you pause before accepting the scripts the world hands you. This episode invites you to resist the pressure to constantly perform, produce, and conform—and instead make small rebellions that open up bigger life. Through stories of aging, comparison, cubicles, canyons, and creativity, Anna and Ginny show how the questions that matter most can’t be Googled but must be lived. Explore more of Anna’s work here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when early choices snowball into a decade-long battle with addiction—and what does it take to finally break free? In this powerful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Jake Widmann opens up about his rocky start to adulthood, his battles with alcohol, and the near-misses that could have changed everything. He shares the moment he discovered that life and fun didn’t require a drink in hand, and how gratitude, grace, and grit reshaped the course of his life. His book, Up! Lessons of Adversity, Hitting Bottom, and Choosing a Life That Matters, reveals the raw truth behind the polished food content thousands enjoy today on JakeWidmann.com and Instagram. But Jake’s story isn’t only about addiction—it’s about what comes next. Today, he creates meals that nourish not just bodies but relationships, showing families that joy is found in connection, not consumption. He talks candidly about parenting, the power of early exposures, and how something as simple as cooking dinner at home can help meet our deepest human needs: love, belonging, growth, and contribution. This episode is a moving reminder that you don’t need alcohol—or any addictive substance—to live fully, have fun, and build a meaningful life. Listen in and be inspired by Jake’s journey from brokenness to redemption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us listen to music every day—but what if it could do more than just fill the silence? In this powerful conversation with father–daughter duo Mort and Sara Sherman, authors of Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music One Note at a Time, we explore how music shapes brains, bonds families, and even heals communities. From lowering stress and strengthening executive function to synchronizing our brainwaves with others, music is not just entertainment—it’s a tool for resilience, connection, and joy. They dive into how families can bring intention to their musical lives: building playlists for focus and calm, using rhythm to spark creativity, and transforming ordinary days into memory-rich experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong musician or someone who simply hums in the car, this episode will inspire you to see music—and parenting—in a whole new light. Get their inspiring book 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

When Melanie Hempe’s oldest son became so addicted to video games that he dropped out of college, she realized she had unknowingly handed her child an experiment with devastating consequences. What began as “just middle school gaming” escalated into an all-consuming addiction that stole years of real life, purpose, and potential. Out of that heartbreak came ScreenStrong—a movement to help parents break free from the myths that screens are harmless fun, and to give families tools to protect childhood, rebuild connection, and raise kids who are confident, creative, and truly alive. In this gripping and hope-filled conversation, Melanie joins me to expose the hidden costs of excessive gaming and social media use, from conformity and loneliness to wasted potential and fractured family bonds. More importantly, she offers a roadmap out—practical strategies, proven resources, and a reminder that it’s not too late to reroute your child’s story. If you’ve ever felt uneasy about the role of screens in your home, this episode will give you both the courage and the clarity to choose differently. Get your copy of Kids' Brains and Screens Home Edition ⁠here⁠ Get your copy of The Adventures of Super Brain ⁠here⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you raise kids without smartphones, video games, or social media in a world where nearly everyone else is plugged in? Twins Andrew and Evan Hempe are living proof that screen-free childhoods don’t leave kids behind—they launch them ahead. In this powerful and refreshing episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich welcomes Andrew and Evan to share their firsthand experience growing up differently—and why it gave them the confidence, creativity, and connection so many of their peers are missing. From conversations about dating in the digital age to battling conformity with humor and real hobbies, these 21-year-olds deliver truth with clarity and heart. They also expose the myth of the “binge gamer,” give parents permission to follow their gut, and make the case that raising screen-free kids isn’t just possible—it’s better. This episode is a must-listen for every parent wondering if the effort is worth it. It is. You’ll walk away inspired, equipped, and ready to raise originals in a culture that desperately needs them. Get your copy of Kids' Brains and Screens Home Edition here Get your copy of The Adventures of Super Brain 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 radically honest and thought-provoking episode, Andrew Laubacher (aka ALob) returns to share the life-altering decision that changed everything: stepping away from the platforms designed to keep us addicted and unhappy. From addiction and burnout to healing and purpose, Andrew opens up about the crushing weight of social comparison, the lies of digital liberation, the trappings of pornography, and how seven days without a mirror in the woods revealed more about his worth than seven years online ever could. Now the executive director of Humanality, Andrew is leading a global movement to restore our humanity. Humanality offers tools, courses, and community for those ready to live differently. Together with host Ginny Yurich, they unpack what it means to opt out. If you've ever felt your soul is slowly being scrolled away, this conversation is a wake-up call and a way forward. 👉 Learn more or start your own Humanality Village: https://www.humanality.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to parenting isn’t molding your child into a smaller version of you—but learning to truly see them for who they are? In this deeply moving conversation, Ian Morgan Cron, bestselling author of The Road Back To You, returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to talk about the Enneagram, emotional self-awareness, and how these insights transform the way we parent, love, and lead. Ian shares how understanding the “shadow side” of our personalities can unlock healthier relationships, save marriages, and most importantly, help us raise children with compassion rather than control. From hilarious stories about streaking in high school to powerful reflections on his mother’s larger-than-life presence, Ian’s wisdom is as entertaining as it is practical. Together we explore how to pay attention, set boundaries, and embrace the unique wiring of the kids right in front of us. This is a conversation that will leave you laughing, reflecting, and rethinking what it really means to raise emotionally healthy kids in today’s world. Get your copy of The Road Back To You here Get your copy of The Fix here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if Mondays became the best day of your week? That’s exactly what happened when Beth Barth launched the Girls Adventure Club—a group that’s taken families from scuba diving in pools to kayaking the Apostle Islands, from hike-sledding in the snow to trapeze lessons under the sky. In her podcast debut, Beth shares how a simple idea turned into a vibrant community where moms and daughters connect, inspire, and explore together—and how you can do the same where you live. This episode is a guide for parents who want their kids off screens, building friendships, and experiencing real adventure—without breaking the bank. From budget-friendly tips to practical leadership strategies, Beth proves that adventure can be as simple as a toe-dip or as grand as a world-schooling trip. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—say yes, go, and watch your kids light up. Learn more about the Girls Adventure Club here Purchase the Adventure Club Leadership Guide here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when an entire generation grows up micromanaged, chauffeured, and monitored as if childhood itself were a dangerous crime? In one of the most eye-opening and hilarious episodes of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Lenore Skenazy — author of Free-Range Kids and co-founder of Let Grow — joins Ginny Yurich to expose the absurdity of today’s fear-based parenting culture. With razor-sharp wit and decades of cultural insight, she dismantles the myths that keep parents locked in anxiety and kids locked out of real life. From Halloween candy scares to daycare workers logging every bathroom break, Lenore reveals how fear has crept into every corner of childhood — and why it’s robbing our kids of resilience, joy, and independence. But this isn’t just cultural critique — it’s a blueprint for freedom. Lenore shares why worrying is just a false form of control, why exposure to reality (not more rules) is the cure for parental anxiety, and why unstructured play may be the most important “classroom” of all. Packed with humor, wisdom, and unforgettable one-liners, this conversation challenges parents to step out of the fear stew and give their kids back what they’re desperate for: agency, trust, and the chance to grow. If you’ve ever felt torn between protecting your kids and preparing them for the real world, this episode is your wake-up call — and possibly the permission slip you’ve been waiting for. Learn more about Let Grow and all they have to offer here Get your copy of Free Range Kids here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices