Everyday Grit

By Nathan HicksSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education Self-Improvement Philosophy

Everyday Grit episodes

September 09 Ep. 032 - Rescue on Mt Yonah: A Lesson in Preparedness, Planning, and Respecting the Wilderness
Mount Yonah Rescue: Preparedness, Planning, and Respecting the Wilderness
Host Nathan Hicks events that took place on August 25, 2026, when White County rescuers responded to a 7:00 p.m. SOS. They eventually located an unnamed hiker about 260 feet up a granite face on a small ledge roughly 40–50 feet from the summit, and executed a rapid rappel rescue by anchoring from the top and bringing the hiker down in a harness.
Hicks analyzes the bad and the good, before identifying important takeaways for all would-be-adventurers. He closes with recommendations to consider when planning your own adventure.

00:00 Cold Open Setup
00:14 Edgar Reel Backstory
03:04 Podcast Welcome Feedback
03:58 Mount Yonah Overview
06:11 Rescue Incident Recap
08:27 Why Weigh In
11:30 What Went Wrong
12:02 Info Gathering Pitfalls
17:07 Experience Versus Difficulty
20:17 Gear Mistakes Off Route
24:40 What Went Right
29:23 Rescue Team Excellence
32:14 Preparedness Takeaways
34:50 Emergency Plan Respect
37:20 Closing Invite Connect
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 [email protected]
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
39 min
May 08 Ep. 031 - The Facade of Suffering w Jon Cox
Join Nathan Hicks and special co-host Jon Cox for a conversation about the difference between voluntary hardship and true suffering and the reasons it's sometimes difficult to tell the difference.
Jon and Nathan share wisom and stories from their background in endurance sports and offer practical take aways about why it's still important to do hard things and how to get the most out of them when you do.
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 [email protected]
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.

1 hr 13 min
January 22 Ep. 030 - Life in Balance with Christian Rawles: Enduring Entrepreneurialism
Enduring Entrepreneurism: Life in Balance with Christian Rawles

In this episode, the speaker and guest Christian Rawles discuss various subjects ranging from technical improvements in sound quality to a detailed narrative of Christian's life experiences. They delve into Christian's early exposure to nature, his journey from Dallas suburbs to acquiring a business in Canada, and the reflections on running Ambler as a lifestyle business. The conversation explores the transition from entrepreneurial endeavors to becoming a professional coach, including overcoming self-doubt and embracing new roles. They also discuss the dynamics of the outdoor gear industry, the importance of independent retailers, and the balance of innovation and commercial interests. The episode concludes with insights on personal growth, lessons from the wilderness, and the significance of adventure in shaping one's life and professional path.

03:14 The Origins of Adventure
05:40 Evolution of Outdoor Activities
10:10 Memorable Wilderness Experiences
20:15 Transition to Entrepreneurship
37:52 Finding Mentorship and Strategic Growth
39:22 Personal Loss and Introspection
41:00 Self-Awareness in Entrepreneurship
45:44 Decision to Sell the Company
48:20 Challenges in the Outdoor Industry
48:47 Product Lifecycle and Manufacturing
55:07 Corporate Influence and Market Changes
01:05:27 Supporting Independent Retailers and Small Brands
01:13:48 The Importance of Product Availability
01:14:04 Admiration for Innovative Companies
01:14:20 The Unique Approach of Squala
01:14:34 Challenges of Private Equity in Business
01:14:53 The Legacy of Patagonia
01:16:57 The Evolution of Patagonia's Brand
01:19:54 The Role of Writing in Personal Growth
01:23:30 Transitioning to Coaching
01:25:34 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
01:31:24 The Value of Presence in Coaching
01:35:39 Target Audience for Coaching
01:39:04 Lessons from Wilderness Adventures
01:42:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
1 hr 47 min
January 13 Ep. 029 - The Least of These
The Least of These

In this episode of the Everyday Grit Podcast, host Nathan Hicks shares a personal story about buying a new mountain bike to connect with his son, only to face a unique challenge in obtaining it. The experience underscores the importance of human connection and helping others. Nathan further explores the concept of 'the least of these' through another story where he helps a man in need at a grocery store. He encourages listeners to reassess how they perceive and act on the needs of those around them, advocating for a more generous and swift response to helping others. The episode emphasizes developing the skills to recognize needs, simplifying the assessment process, and rewiring our default to action over hesitation, ultimately aiming to foster a deeper human connection.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:12 The Mountain Bike Story
05:44 The Human Connection
07:10 Welcome to the Everyday Grit Podcast
07:30 Feedback from Listeners
09:01 Helping a Stranger at Publix
13:55 Defining 'The Least of These'
28:02 Call to Action: Helping Others
29:53 Conclusion and Contact Information
*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 [email protected]
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
31 min
December 18, 2025 Ep. 028 - All In with Edgar Mills
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 [email protected]
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
1 hr 6 min
November 21, 2025 Ep. 027 - Tragedy to Triumph with Hannah Nabors
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 [email protected]
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
1 hr 29 min
November 11, 2025 Ep. 026 - Ready or Not: Overcoming Unwanted and Untimely Challenges (Lessons from a trail 100)
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 [email protected]
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
53 min
October 22, 2025 Ep. 025 - The Road Less Traveled with Russ Taylor
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 [email protected]
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.
1 hr 15 min
September 17, 2025 Ep. 024 - How Runningman Found A Home
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 [email protected]
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.

39 min
August 25, 2025 Ep. 023 - Lessons From Mid State Mile
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 [email protected]
Follow along on IG: @njhix and @everydaygritpodcast
And, follow @hghrgrnd to stay informed about opportunities there.
*Music by Jupiter Coyote. Used with permission.

1 hr 2 min