Everyday Grit
Conversations to help you think critically, live abundantly, and endure the everyday.
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Episodes
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
What Does It Mean to Be All In?
In this insightful episode, the hosts dive deep into the meaning of being 'all in' across different aspects of life—work, family, and personal goals. They discuss personal experiences, such as tackling zoning for a new business, training for ultra-marathons, and balancing a demanding military career with family commitments. The conversation addresses the challenges of prioritizing competing responsibilities, the impact of significant life decisions, and the myths perpetuated by social media influencers about commitment. The episode also provides practical advice for evaluating major life decisions through four key considerations: divine guidance, family impact, personal well-being, and community influence.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup
00:44 Starting the Podcast
01:31 How We Met and Collaborated
05:08 Defining 'All In'
06:42 Family Commitments and Sacrifices
11:45 Balancing Priorities
13:42 Challenges and Realities of Being 'All In'
21:44 Influencers and Authenticity
28:42 Different Contexts of Being 'All In'
31:34 Balancing Work and Family Life
32:30 The Challenges of Being All In
32:59 A Firefighter's Commitment
34:14 Support Systems in Marriage
35:48 Finding Fulfillment in Work
37:05 The Myth of Work-Life Balance
43:13 The Reality of Military Service
48:17 Prioritizing Life's Important Aspects
59:36 Concluding Thoughts on Balance and Fulfillment
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning at https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Tragedy to Triumph with Hannah Nabors.
In this episode, Hannah Neighbors shares her incredible journey of resilience and recovery following a devastating car accident that resulted in the loss of her leg. Hannah discusses her upbringing, career path, and how she met her husband. She details the morning of the accident, the immediate and long-term physical challenges, her mental and emotional battles, and the overwhelming support from her community. Despite the severity of her injuries, Hannah's positive outlook remains unwavering. She shares her experiences with recovery, dealing with grief and trauma, and how her faith and community have played crucial roles in her healing process. Hannah also highlights her ambitions to run the Boston Marathon and her involvement in advocating for better insurance support for amputees.
00:00 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:56 Guest's Background and Upbringing
01:42 Career Journey and Family Life
04:14 Passion for Running and Coaching
09:49 The Accident: A Life-Changing Event
18:51 Immediate Aftermath and Hospitalization
28:57 Adjusting to a New Reality
39:25 Emotional Struggles and Guilt
39:58 Support from Running Group
40:57 Coping with Anger and Disappointment
42:23 Facing the Person Responsible
43:04 The Power of Forgiveness
46:03 Coping Mechanisms and Community Support
47:51 The Role of Faith in Healing
50:59 Challenges of Phantom Pain
52:08 Returning to Normalcy
01:00:36 Running and Physical Recovery
01:03:20 Surprising Challenges and Adaptations
01:17:42 Advocacy and Future Goals
01:21:27 Final Reflections and Gratitude
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning at https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Ready or Not: Overcoming Unwanted and Untimely Challenges
(Lessons from a 100-Mile Race)
In this episode of the Everyday Grit Podcast, host Nathan Hicks shares valuable lessons learned from his recent experience running a 100-mile trail race. He discusses the importance of setting goals, accepting reality, and maintaining a positive narrative despite unexpected challenges. Nathan also highlights the significance of having a supportive crew and using internal and external resources to overcome obstacles. Drawing parallels with broader life experiences, he emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the mental shift from 'if' to 'how.' The episode also includes listener feedback and emphasizes the role of critical thinking and perseverance in everyday life.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Concerns
01:09 Reflecting on Past Races
02:11 Podcast Welcome and Listener Feedback
04:30 Training and Preparation Challenges
17:48 Mental Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
22:30 Race Day: Early Challenges and Mental Battles
25:35 Facing Unexpected Challenges
25:58 Dealing with Fatigue and Weariness
27:35 Mental Hurdles and Emotional Overflow
30:13 Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
35:10 The Importance of Support Systems
40:30 Navigating Solo Stretches
49:08 Final Reflections and Takeaways
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning at https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
The road less traveled, with Russ Taylor...exploring a life of service, adventure, and faith.
In this episode of everyday Grit, host Nathan Hicks sits down with Russ Taylor to discuss his remarkable journey of living a life filled with adventure, service, and faith. They delve into Russ's experiences from their seminary days and early friendship, touching on memorable trips and impactful moments. Russ shares his upbringing as an adopted child, the loss of both parents at a young age, and how these events shaped his path. They explore Russ's diverse career, spanning positions from banking to the Peace Corps in Papua New Guinea, working for Outward Bound with adjudicated youth, and various roles in the National Park Service. Russ talks about his love for travel and photography, detailing unique experiences with cultures around the world, including reindeer herders in Siberia and remote villages in Laos. Throughout, Russ reflects on the importance of faith, humility, and being true to oneself in every endeavor.
00:00 Getting Started: The Awkward Beginnings
00:52 Reconnecting with an Old Friend
01:23 Memories of Seminary and Adventures
05:17 Life on the Road Less Traveled
05:56 Early Life and Family Background
09:53 College and Career Beginnings
10:52 The Life-Changing Road Trip
14:00 Joining the Peace Corps
21:32 Transitioning to Outdoor Adventures
23:42 Working with Adjudicated Youth
32:20 Transition from STEP Program to Seminary
33:18 Journey of Faith and Seminary Decision
37:04 Scouting and Wilderness Connection
40:05 Missionary Work in India
45:27 Return to the US and Career Transitions
48:32 Life in Denali National Park
51:41 Passion for Photography
01:00:40 Reflections on Life Choices and Relationships
01:07:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning at https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Navigating Opportunities and Staying True to Yourself
In this episode of the Everyday Grit Podcast, hosted by Nathan Hicks, the focus is on the Running Man Festival, an event created by entrepreneur Jesse Itzler. Nathan dives into his personal experience of connecting Jesse's team with the perfect venue, Kingston Downs, for the festival.
Despite successfully facilitating this connection, Nathan reflects on not hearing back regarding his initial collaboration intentions. He explores three key lessons from this experience: staying true to oneself, recognizing and honoring the value others bring, and favoring open opportunities over trying to force closed ones. The episode encourages listeners to contribute their thoughts and experiences related to these lessons.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:08 What is the Running Man Festival?
02:06 Listener Feedback and Reviews
03:32 The Story of Connecting with Jesse Itzler
21:38 Lessons Learned from the Experience
36:33 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning at https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Lessons from the Mid-State Mile: Embracing Challenges and Self-Reflection
Host Nathan Hicks reflects on his experience participating in the Mid-State Mile, a challenging trail race with a 1.1 mile loop and 340 feet of elevation gain and loss per loop.
He discusses the importance of goal setting, the traps to avoid when facing hard tasks, and balancing various life responsibilities.
Nathan underscores the significance of individual experiences over mere knowledge, the futility of comparison, and the value of enduring hardship as part of personal growth. Listener feedback and reviews are encouraged to make the podcast better.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts
01:52 Reflecting on Mid-State Mile Experience
02:21 Podcast Introduction and Listener Feedback
04:49 Explaining Mid-State Mile
07:38 Race Day Preparations and Challenges
16:39 Three Traps of Facing Hardships
30:32 The Value of Voluntary Hardship
32:54 Recap of the Three Traps
33:30 Why I Quit Running
39:58 Balancing Life and Goals
45:03 The Comparison Trap
50:42 Final Reflections and Takeaways
59:49 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement
For more information on Mid State Mile and other BMFJ events follow @midstatemile or visit events.com
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning at https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
Enduring the Reckoning: Reflections on Overcoming Adversity
In this engaging episode, participants reflect on a rigorous outdoor adventure called 'The Reckoning,' involving a challenging hike with varied terrain and adverse weather conditions. The conversation covers their experiences, individual challenges, moments of growth, and teamwork dynamics. The script highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and mutual support in overcoming physical and mental hardships. Participants also share the lessons learned and insights that can be applied to broader aspects of life.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Reflections
01:09 Team Performance and Challenges
02:43 Individual Experiences and Struggles
04:38 Overcoming Mental and Physical Hurdles
06:58 Group Dynamics and Support
08:49 Weather and Environmental Impact
11:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections
26:32 Reflecting on the River Crossing
27:47 Humbled by Nature's Challenges
29:54 Pushing Through Physical and Mental Barriers
32:47 Dealing with Self-Doubt and Expectations
34:08 The Importance of Teamwork and Preparation
37:34 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
46:44 Voluntary Challenges vs. Obligatory Tasks
54:13 Final Reflections and Takeaways
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning at https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
In this episode of the Everyday Grit Podcast, host Nathan Hicks discusses how doubt crept in during a stressful period as he explores the nature of doubt in faith. Nathan examines the biblical story of Thomas' doubt post-resurrection, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging doubt, maintaining relationships, and holding on to hope. Through introspection and conversation with others, Nathan shares practical steps for confronting and understanding doubt, encouraging listeners to remain open to belief and God's presence.
Listen as Nathan makes a case for the importance of acknowledging and confronting doubt in matters of faith. Sharing important insights from the story of Thomas, Nathan makes the case that expressing doubt is confessional, relational, and hopeful. What do you think?
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
04:24 The Nature of Doubt
04:35 Podcast Introduction and Listener Feedback
06:10 Reflecting on Personal Experiences
12:59 Understanding Doubt Through Scripture
18:05 Lessons from Thomas' Doubt
31:56 Practical Steps to Address Doubt
38:43 Conclusion and Call to Action
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning.
See https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning for more details and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Understanding the Growth Zone: A Framework for Personal Development
In this episode, host Nathan Hicks shares a compelling story from his experience leading a challenging backpacking course focused on personal development.
He discusses the concept of the 'Growth Zone Model,' using three concentric circles to define the Comfort Zone, Growth Zone, and Panic Zone. He provides practical insights on how to self-assess and navigate these zones, enhancing personal growth.
Nathan also encourages listeners to apply this model to help others, understanding how to support people in different zones.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:09 The Struggle of the Group
03:00 The Growth Zone Model
03:22 Podcast Introduction and Listener Feedback
07:06 Recognizing Opportunities for Growth
10:51 Understanding the Comfort Zone
16:19 Exploring the Growth Zone
22:30 Critique of Alternative Growth Models
25:46 Understanding the Panic Zone
29:31 Applying the Model to Self
32:59 Exploring Comfort, Growth, and Panic Zones
38:57 Using the Model to Help Others
45:33 Final Thoughts and Challenges
47:12 Conclusion and Call to Action
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning.
See https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning for more details and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Conquering Life and Trail: Tara Dower's Journey and Mental Resilience
In this episode of the Everyday Grit podcast, host Nathan Hicks interviews Tara Dower, who recently set the fastest known time (FKT) for completing the Appalachian Trail. Tara's record-breaking journey covers 2,200 miles in 40 days, 18 hours, and 6 minutes, surpassing the previous record by over 13 hours. The conversation delves into Tara’s mental and emotional resilience, her struggle with anxiety, and how she overcame obstacles from her first failed attempt in 2017 to her triumphant return in 2019. Tara also shares insights into her life as a professional athlete, her training routines, and how she manages pressure and anxiety. Furthermore, Tara introduces her new podcast, 'DNF Diaries,' where she shares light-hearted yet inspirational stories of endurance. This episode provides a holistic view of Tara's remarkable achievements and the mental fortitude required to conquer such immense challenges.
Thanks for listening. Carry on.
*Interested in joining Nathan for an "in-person" adventure?
Check out The Reckoning.
See https://mailchi.mp/e2693f53419b/the-reckoning for more details and drop Nathan a line if you are interested.
Join the conversation by emailing Nathan at everydaygritpodcast@gmail.com
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.