Everyday Grit

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.    

Five Common Threads of Responding Well to Crisis   In this episode, host, Nathan Hicks, recounts two recent crises: responding to an unresponsive man at a boat ramp who was likely overdosing and revived with Narcan by EMS, and observing a pastor compassionately guiding a meeting with someone facing a marital breaking point and proposing tangible care and a reconciliation plan. From these, Hicks identifies five shared elements of effective crisis response: recognizing a crisis (often masked until people can no longer compensate), having training plus real-world experience (with calm demeanor as a byproduct), willingness to act, a helpful layer of disconnect from direct consequences, and empathy and compassion.   He invites listener feedback and reviews.   00:00 Intro Without Notes 02:33 Reviews And Shoutouts 04:08 Canoe Ramp Overdose 08:21 Marriage Crisis Meeting 13:13 Five Crisis Lessons 13:39 Spotting The Crisis 21:03 Training And Experience 29:38 Willingness To Act 35:03 Helpful Emotional Distance 37:28 Empathy And Compassion 41:26 Wrap Up And Feedback   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.  

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.      

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

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.  

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.    

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.  

  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.    

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.  

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.