Everyday Grit

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

Everyday Grit episodes

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
May 12, 2025 Ep. 022 - The Reckoning: Grit and Growth
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 [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 27 min
April 25, 2025 Ep. 021 - Come As You Are: The Role of Doubt in Deepening Your Faith
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 [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.

44 min
April 05, 2025 Ep. 020 - Beyond Comfort: Growth Zones & Personal Development
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 [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.

49 min
March 13, 2025 Ep. 019 - Pushing Limits with Tara Dower
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 [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.

58 min
February 28, 2025 Ep. 018 - Everyday Resolutions
Welcome to the Everyday Grit Podcast with Nathan Hicks
In episode 018, Nathan discusses the power of everyday resolutions and shares a framework that can quickly be used to provide clarity, structure, and purpose to each day. Give it a listen and put it to work.
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 [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.
33 min
February 07, 2025 Ep. 017 - Grief and Gratitude
Welcome to the Everyday Grit Podcast with Nathan Hicks
In episode 017, Nathan shares thoughts and reflections about his experience with grief before and since the passing of his father two months ago. Listen and glean powerful insights on walking through difficult times purposefully and intentionally.
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 [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.
42 min
November 26, 2024 Ep. 016 - Enduring Together with Jimmy & Hollye Smith
Welcome to the Everyday Grit Podcast with Nathan Hicks
Episode 016 is a conversation with Jimmy and Hollye Smith about their journey of enduring a hard thing together. Listen as they share their story of dreaming big, working hard, and being open to what the journey would teach them.
Hollye and Jimmy are down-to-earth people who do a wonderful job of articulating the nuances of their experience over 10 months as they set out to prepare for and overcome a worthy challenge.
Listen as they share insights they gained along the way, I promise you'll be glad you did.
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 [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 32 min
November 04, 2024 Ep. 015 - Train the Quit Out with Jon Cox
Welcome to the Everyday Grit Podcast with Nathan Hicks
Episode 015 is a conversation with Jon Cox about the steadfast, 10-year pursuit of his goal to run 100 miles. We discuss motivation, failure, determination, identity, and more, in a way that relates to everyday life, too.
Listen as Jon shares his journey and what he's learned along the way, I promise you'll be glad you did.
Carry on.

@jonruns_
@midstatemile

*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 [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 41 min
October 24, 2024 Ep. 014 - The Power of Asking Questions
Welcome to the Everyday Grit Podcast with Nathan Hicks
Episode 014 explores insights and observations from the Georgia Jewel 100 Trail Ultra, including the power of viewing growth through the lens of answering questions. Listen to hear practical tips on how to prepare for, work through, and overcome big challenges in life.

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 [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.
59 min