Bestselling novelist Amanda Dykes joins The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast for a conversation that will stir your heart, lift your eyes, and invite you to marvel again at the wonder that surrounds us. In this episode, Amanda shares the tender backstory behind her career shift from English teacher to award-winning author, and how deep grief gave way to deep creativity. We explore the making of her stunning new book A Pocketful of Wonder, a field guide for children to experience God’s creation through poem, prayer, play, and music. Along the way, Amanda and Ginny talk about the courage to pursue creativity, the mysterious work of God in delays and detours, and why beauty is not frivolous—it’s essential. Amanda’s words are a balm, reminding us that wonder is a battle cry in a heavy world, and that attention is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. You’ll hear about concrete poems, whimsical squirrel illustrations, nature’s instruments, and how a single drop of rain in the desert can unleash the aroma of hope. This conversation will inspire you to step into the preposterous beauty all around—and bring your kids with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this wide-ranging and unforgettable episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich sits down with the bold and brilliant Dr. Tom Cowan—physician, author, and longtime advocate for common sense parenting. Drawing from his new book Common Sense Child Rearing, Dr. Cowan urges parents to truly listen to their children, resist blind conformity, and reclaim their role as their child’s fiercest protector. From the story of a misunderstood 7-year-old boy to hard-hitting critiques of the education and medical systems, Cowan’s message is as emotionally gripping as it is mind-expanding. Together, Ginny and Dr. Cowan explore controversial but vital topics—vaccines, ultrasounds, cancer screenings, the current education system, and the radical idea that children are often right about what they need. With wisdom from Waldorf schools, Nourishing Traditions, and Ivan Illich, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about raising healthy, resilient kids in today’s world. You may not agree with everything, but you’ll leave this episode thinking more critically, feeling more empowered, and most importantly—more committed to being on your child’s side, no matter what. 🔗 Featured Book – Common Sense Child Rearing 🔗 Dr. Cowan’s Books: https://www.drcowansgarden.com/collections/books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the decline in childhood mental health, self-regulation, and academic engagement could be traced back to a missing piece of the school day? In this powerful and passionate episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with the founding team of Say Yes to Recess, a grassroots movement turned national nonprofit fighting for more play, more time outside, and more humanity in our schools. With just 22 minutes of average daily recess—and many kids getting even less—this conversation peels back the layers of how educational priorities have shifted dangerously away from the needs of the whole child. The team shares how they went from frustrated parents to successful policy changemakers and how you can start a chapter in your own state. This is the rallying cry. Recess is not a break from learning—it is learning. Movement builds brains. Free play teaches the life skills that Fortune 500 CEOs are begging for. And the best part? Kids want to do it. Say Yes to Recess is leading the charge, and this episode shows you why the time to act is now. Visit sayyestorecess.com to learn more, donate, or launch a chapter in your state. You can also follow their movement on Instagram and Facebook @sayyestorecess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the youth mental health crisis isn't a mystery—but a measurable, screen-driven epidemic we can reverse? In one of the most urgent and affirming conversations we’ve ever had, Mike McLeod, executive function specialist and founder of GrowNOW ADHD, returns for his fourth appearance on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast. With clarity, conviction, and deep compassion for families, Mike explains why executive functioning—not grades—is the greatest predictor of life success, and how screen overuse is directly delaying the very skills kids need most: self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, and self-evaluation. The solution? Simpler than you think—and available to every family. You’ll leave this episode empowered to act, not overwhelmed. We talk about why schools are broken, how parents have unintentionally become permissive, and why taking away screens isn’t extreme—it’s essential. Mike’s new book The Executive Functioning Playbook (coming January 9) and his podcast, The ADHD Parenting Podcast, are must-follow resources. But this episode? It might just be the wake-up call that changes everything. 📚 Preorder Mike’s new book and workbook 🔗 More from Mike at GrowNOWADHD.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this eye-opening episode, Sean Pessara of Mindful Farmer Arkansas dives into the critical need for more farmers and gardeners who are passionate about sustainable and regenerative agriculture. With a background in environmental science, Sean has dedicated his life to helping families transform their backyard gardens into thriving, productive spaces. He shares his expertise on high tunnels, soil health, and organic techniques, showing how small-scale farmers can grow food year-round—no matter the climate. From maximizing space to natural pest control, Sean offers practical tips that make farming easier, more efficient, and family-friendly. This conversation isn’t just about farming—it’s about building a movement. Sean’s mission is to inspire families to take stewardship of their land, grow their own food, and become part of the next generation of farmers. As farming becomes more financially accessible and sustainable, this episode will spark the desire to get outside, work with the land, and bring the beauty of homegrown food to your family’s table. The world needs more farmers—and it starts with you. Mindful Farmer Arkansas Website Follow Sean on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your whole life looked different just three years from now? In this moving episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich sits down with Janelle Anderson of The Haven Farmstead to share an extraordinary story of family, faith, and legacy. Janelle and her husband left behind their cattle ranch in North Dakota, sold nearly everything, and started over on raw land in Tennessee—with no power, no water, and a dream of raising their children with intention. What they’ve built in under three years is nothing short of remarkable. This episode is a tribute to generational resilience and bold obedience. Janelle shares how childhood lessons became lifelines, how cheese-making became ministry, and how being “forced to wait” in daily tasks invites real rest. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late—or too crazy—to change your life, this conversation will light a fire in your heart. Visit The Haven Farmstead, tune in to The Farmstead Revival Podcast, and explore the Homestead Hive to learn more. Let this episode remind you: the seeds you plant today may grow faster—and wilder—than you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to healthier, happier kids—and adults—wasn’t hidden in a lab but buried in the soil beneath our feet? In this powerful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Amanda Argyle and Miriam Eriksson of Argyle Acres Education Foundation share their deeply personal stories of transformation—through infertility, health crises, and radical simplicity—to show how reconnecting with nature and regenerative farming can revive families from the inside out. From raw land and baby carriers to community camps and chicken-processing days, they’ve built a space where kids witness the rhythms of real life, discover their resilience, and fall in love with the natural world. Host Ginny Yurich guides a rich conversation about soil health, ancestral wisdom, and why death isn’t something to hide from kids—but a teacher to embrace. The conversation weaves science with story, beauty with messiness, and parenting with purpose. Whether you're new to farming or just trying to make more space for nature in your family’s life, this episode is a moving reminder: you don’t need perfection—just the courage to begin. Learn more at @argyle_acres and @thebiohackingfamily. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast episode How to Foster Creativity in a World That Wants to Control It, Austin Kleon, author of Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work, discusses the challenges of nurturing creativity in today’s highly structured, outcome-driven world. He highlights how the pressure for perfection and the desire for certainty can stifle innovation, both for adults and children. Kleon shares his belief that the magic of creativity comes from embracing uncertainty, remaining open to failure, and allowing space for experimentation. For parents, particularly, he offers insights on how to support their children’s creative growth in a world where schedules, expectations, and “rules” often get in the way. In this inspiring conversation, Kleon discusses the importance of maintaining an “amateur spirit,” even as we grow older and more experienced. He urges listeners to embrace their inner beginner, whether they’re parents encouraging their children’s creativity or adults rediscovering their own. Creativity thrives when we stop seeking validation and instead focus on doing the work that excites us. Kleon also encourages listeners to sign up for his weekly newsletter, where he continues to share his thoughts on creativity and inspiration. Listen to the full episode now to find out how to embrace uncertainty and foster a creative mindset in both yourself and your family. Sign up for Austin's weekly newsletter here Get your copy of: Newspaper Blackout Steal Like an Artist Show Your Work Keep Going Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this eye-opening episode, Michaeleen Doucleff returns to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast to dive deep into the art of fostering independence and emotional autonomy in children. She shares transformative insights from her travels around the world, revealing how different cultures empower children by encouraging initiative rather than constantly telling them what to do. Michaeleen explains how small shifts in our parenting approach—like trusting our children to contribute meaningfully to the household—can drastically improve behavior, strengthen family bonds, and promote emotional regulation. Michaeleen discusses the importance of including children in family life and how this inclusion nurtures their sense of responsibility and belonging. From her experiences with the Maya, Inuit, and Hadza, she highlights the universal parenting practices that teach children to observe, respond, and contribute without the pressure of a chore chart or constant direction. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent who wants to build a calmer, more cooperative home while empowering their children to thrive with confidence and initiative. Michaeleen’s Book: Hunt, Gather, ParentDopamine Kids Pre-order: Preorder here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Pat Flynn, author of Lean Learning, breaks down the art of "learning less to achieve more." He talks about how the traditional path of endless overthinking and consuming information often leads to inaction—and how we can combat this by embracing action, failure, and hands-on learning. With our kids growing up in an age where the pressure to be constantly learning can be overwhelming, Pat shares practical advice on how we can equip them for future careers by teaching them to stop overthinking and start doing. By focusing on real-world experience and learning through action, Pat’s approach can transform how we approach both life and work. Whether it’s finding meaningful careers or navigating life’s changes, Pat’s method helps break the cycle of fear and hesitation, encouraging us to get outside, explore, and develop the skills needed for the future. Tune in to discover how letting go of overthinking can help you—and your kids—thrive in an ever-evolving world. Get your copy of Lean Learning here Learn more about Pat and all he has to offer here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices