The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Latest Episodes:

1KHO 565: Faith, Film & Family | Brennan McPherson, Light of the World Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

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

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1KHO 564: The Backyard Homestead You Can Actually Do (Even with an HOA) | Laura Cox, Cox Homestead Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

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

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Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.
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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.
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1KHO 563: We Took Our Kids on a 2,650-Mile Walk | Vince Strawbridge, Pretty Good at Walking Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

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.

A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below:

Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more.
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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.
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1KHO 562: The Rulebook for a High-Tech World | Dr. Jean Twenge, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

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

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1KHO 561: Questions the Internet Can’t Answer | Anna Mitchael, They Will Tell You the World is Yours Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

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1KHO 560: From Rock Bottom to Real Food: Jake Widmann’s Story of Addiction, Faith, and Family Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

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.

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1KHO 559: Using Music Purposefully | Mort and Sara Sherman, Resonant Minds Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

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1KHO 558: “I Wish I Had All My Gaming Hours Back," A Mother’s Wake-Up Call for Every Parent | Melanie Hempe, ScreenStrong Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

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

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1KHO 557: Raising Originals in a World of Clones | Andrew and Evan Hempe, ScreenStrong Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

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.

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1KHO 556: I Gave Up My Smartphone and Found My Soul | Andrew Laubacher, Humanality Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

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

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