The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast podcast

Available Episodes

5 of 474

1KHO 474: Using Psychology as a Weapon Against Children | Dr. Richard Freed, Better Than Real Life
This might be the most important episode we’ve ever released. Dr. Richard Freed, psychologist and author of Better Than Real Life, pulls back the curtain on persuasive design—the hidden psychological science used by tech companies to keep kids glued to their screens. These technologies aren't just entertaining—they’re engineered by neuroscientists to exploit children's deepest instincts and hijack their brains. Most parents have never heard of this, yet it’s quietly reshaping childhood as we know it. We talk about the ethics of manipulating kids, why screen time guidelines have mysteriously disappeared, and how AI is supercharging the problem. From children who won’t get off devices to teens forming relationships with AI bots, Dr. Freed explains how we got here—and what we must do to reclaim real life for our kids. If you’ve felt like you're losing your child to a screen, this episode will help you understand why. ** Get your copy of Better Than Real Life here Learn more about Dr. Richard Freed here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1KHO 473: Why the Imagination Still Matters | Andrew Klavan, The Kingdom of Cain
On this unforgettable episode, international bestselling author and podcaster Andrew Klavan joins Ginny Yurich to reflect on the surprising ways imagination shapes who we are. From stick duels in the woods to secret readings of the New Testament, Klavan’s childhood was filled with the kind of quiet, reflective space that allowed his creativity—and ultimately his faith—to grow. He explains how the loss of that space in modern childhood is costing us more than we realize, and how imagination isn’t just for play—it’s a moral and spiritual training ground. Together, they explore how beauty can rise out of darkness, how stories point us toward truth, and why the smallest unseen kindness might just echo into eternity. Whether discussing murder mysteries, motherhood, or the role of art in shaping the soul, Klavan brings deep wisdom, wit, and clarity to the conversation. This episode is a rich reminder that imagination is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. ** Get your copy of The Kingdom of Cain here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1KHO 472: Exercise is the Opposite of Stress | Dr. Anders Hansen, The Real Happy Pill
In one of the most compelling and enlightening episodes of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Anders Hansen to explore the powerful, science-backed link between movement and mental health. Drawing from his groundbreaking book The Real Happy Pill (also published as The Mind-Body Method), Hansen explains why exercise isn't just good for your body—it’s one of the most effective tools we have to boost brain function, protect against depression and dementia, reduce stress, and even increase creativity and intelligence. You’ll hear incredible stories, including how walking can literally grow your brain, and how just 20 minutes of movement can sharpen focus and improve academic performance in kids. From ADHD to anxiety, executive function to emotional resilience, Dr. Hansen breaks down the latest neuroscience to show how movement is a true game-changer. This conversation will leave you energized, hopeful, and ready to move—because the science is clear: exercise doesn't just help you feel better... it changes your brain for the better. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or lifelong learner, this is a must-listen episode that just might change the way you see the simple act of walking. ** Get your copy of The Real Happy Pill here Learn more about Anders Hansen here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1KHO 471: Screens, Safetyism, and the Collapse of Parenting | Dr. Leonard Sax, The Collapse of Parenting
In this gripping episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Dr. Leonard Sax—family physician, psychologist, and bestselling author—explains how American culture has quietly dismantled the foundation of effective parenting. From the normalization of disrespect to the overreliance on screens, Dr. Sax outlines the subtle but powerful shifts that have led to rising anxiety, plummeting resilience, and widespread disconnection in today’s youth. He warns against the illusion of safety that keeps kids indoors, over-scheduled, and emotionally underprepared—and calls on parents to reclaim their authority and their role in shaping a better, stronger future for their children. With stories from his decades of clinical work and global school visits, Dr. Sax brings clarity to a chaotic landscape. He offers an urgent but hopeful message: it’s not too late to course-correct. Real change begins when we limit toxic cultural inputs, reestablish parent-child attachment, allow kids to face real-world risk, and redefine what success truly means. This is a must-listen for any parent who feels alone, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to raise strong, joyful, unfragile kids in an increasingly fragile world. ** Learn more about Dr. Sax and all he has to offer here Get your copy of The Collapse of Parenting here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1KHO 470: How Stories and Small Moments Shape Generations | Leah Boden, Chronicles of Wonder
In one of the most heartwarming conversations yet on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich welcomes Leah Boden back to explore her new book series, Tales of Boldness and Faith. Together they dive into the life of C.S. Lewis, the power of stories to shape a soul, and the lingering beauty of a well-spent childhood. Through Leah’s tender storytelling, we discover how ordinary moments — reading in an attic, conversations around a table — became the seeds of wonder that shaped generations. This episode is a celebration of imagination, slow living, and the unseen ways we pour into the future simply by living well today. If you’ve ever wondered if small choices matter, if storytelling still has a place in a noisy world, or if childhood wonder can linger into adulthood — this conversation will encourage you deeply. It’s an invitation to savor a slower, richer, and more meaningful life. *** Learn more about Leah Boden and everything she has to offer (including her substack!) here Get a copy of Chronicles of Wonder about C.S. Lewis here Get a copy of The Angel Orphan about Charlotte Mason here Preorder Brave Princess Aina here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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About 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.

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