The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast: Episode 1KHO 417 – Raising Steady Kids in a Shifting World with Jon Acuff

Release Date: January 20, 2025

In the 417th episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich engages in a profound and insightful conversation with Jon Acuff, author of the acclaimed book Do Over. This episode delves deep into the art of raising steady, resilient children amidst an ever-changing world, drawing from Jon's personal experiences, professional expertise, and the core principles outlined in his latest work.

1. Welcome and Introduction

Ginny Yurich opens the episode by warmly welcoming Jon Acuff back to the podcast, highlighting his growing influence and the expanding reach of his platform.

Ginny [01:32]: "Every time I follow you on Instagram, you're like, I interviewed the moon. And it's like, how did she get the moon to come on?"

Jon humorously acknowledges Ginny's supportive remarks, setting a friendly and engaging tone for the discussion.

2. Jon Acuff’s Journey and Achievements

The conversation shifts to Jon’s impressive career trajectory, emphasizing his prolific writing and diverse speaking engagements.

Jon [02:25]: "I'm working on number 11 right now. So I'm in the middle of number 11, but yeah, it's 10 right now."

Ginny acknowledges Jon’s accomplishments, noting his influence across various platforms and collaborations with notable brands and personalities.

3. Do Over: A Fresh Perspective on Career and Life Changes

Central to the episode is Jon’s book, Do Over: Make Today the First Day of Your New Career. They explore the book’s themes, focusing on the possibility of reinventing one’s career and life path.

Ginny [03:11]: "You wrote this book called Do Over. We're going to talk about that in a minute."

Jon elaborates on the book's core message: the power of initiating change and embracing new beginnings.

Jon [02:44]: "This is not going to be an event where you walk out really inspired and by the time you get to your car, you forget what you're going to do."

4. Upcoming Live Event: Remarkable You

Jon introduces his upcoming live event, Remarkable You, scheduled for April 14th and 15th in Franklin, Tennessee. He outlines the event's structure, which spans a day and a half filled with content and actionable commitments.

Jon [03:11]: "The first day is going to be all content and the second day is going to be commitment."

He emphasizes the event's focus on practical, tactical strategies to ensure lasting impact.

5. Key Concepts from Do Over

a. Grit

Ginny and Jon discuss the concept of grit, exploring its components—perseverance, awareness, and flexibility—and its importance in personal and professional growth.

Jon [16:17]: "When I write the 11th book, I have to dig deeper for the stories... I'm using 10 different tools."

Jon highlights that believing in one’s mission fuels grit, enabling individuals to push through challenges.

b. Soundtracks

A significant portion of their conversation revolves around "soundtracks," Jon’s term for personal mantras or phrases that inspire and guide him.

Jon [25:44]: "My soundtrack for me is it only costs $40 to change somebody's entire day."

Ginny reflects on the power of these soundtracks, sharing her own examples inspired by her mother’s wisdom.

c. Legacy and Parenting in a Changing World

Jon delves into the intricacies of parenting amidst rapid societal changes. He advises focusing on unchanging values like honesty and loyalty while adapting to new challenges.

Jon [12:40]: "Parent toward the things that'll never change. Like honesty will never change."

They discuss the balance between preparing children for a dynamic future and maintaining foundational principles.

d. Decision Making and Embracing Change

The duo explores the fears surrounding decision-making in an unpredictable world. Jon advocates for viewing decisions as temporary tattoos—choices that can be altered as new information emerges.

Jon [34:00]: "You have to get comfortable with, I made the best decision I could with the information I had, and I get to change that later."

6. Real-Life Applications and Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, Jon shares personal stories that illustrate the principles discussed. From his experiences with Santa Wars—a lighthearted rivalry with his neighbor during Christmas—to impactful moments like encouraging kindness and embracing vulnerability, Jon provides relatable examples of his philosophies in action.

Jon [06:13]: "He has two adult children who are excited to come back home after college. There's lots of parts of our lives that I think can be remarkable."

Ginny and Jon also touch upon the interplay between work and family life, emphasizing the importance of integrating passions without compromising familial bonds.

7. Overcoming Regret and Embracing Growth

A poignant segment of the discussion addresses handling regret and learning from past decisions. Jon encourages honesty with oneself and the importance of not dwelling excessively on past mistakes.

Jon [40:30]: "When you look back on a decision, remember that you made that decision with the best information you had at the time."

Ginny shares her emotional response to this advice, relating it to the challenges of parenting teenagers and making informed decisions.

8. Legacy Building and Financial Responsibility

In the latter part of the episode, Jon speaks passionately about legacy, particularly focusing on financial responsibility and setting up one’s children for success.

Jon [70:27]: "One of the largest GoFundMes right now. It's funerals. Because people are so in debt, they then make their family do a fundraiser to pay for the funeral."

He underscores the importance of not being a financial burden to one's children and creating lasting, positive legacies that extend beyond material possessions.

9. Closing Remarks and Future Endeavors

As the episode concludes, Jon and Ginny reflect on the enduring impact of the conversation. They tease upcoming topics and events, reinforcing the episode’s themes of growth, legacy, and meaningful change.

Jon [72:35]: "The dial is the answer."

Ginny expresses her gratitude and excitement for future discussions, highlighting the episode's deep and transformative nature.

Notable Quotes

• Jon [16:17]: "When I write the 11th book, I have to dig deeper for the stories... I'm using 10 different tools."
• Jon [34:00]: "You have to get comfortable with, I made the best decision I could with the information I had, and I get to change that later."
• Jon [40:30]: "When you look back on a decision, remember that you made that decision with the best information you had at the time."

Conclusion

Episode 1KHO 417 of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast offers listeners a wealth of insights into navigating the complexities of raising children in a rapidly evolving world. Through Jon Acuff's candid storytelling and practical advice, the episode emphasizes the importance of resilience, intentionality, and the enduring power of legacy. Whether you're a parent seeking guidance or an individual contemplating a career shift, the conversation provides valuable tools and inspiration to embrace change and foster a remarkable life.