S'more Outdoor

In this episode, Brett shares a revelation he had from a men's bible study and how later it came to pass that this show has to come to an end. Listen in to learn why and click the link below to stay updated on the new podcast with a new name launching in April/March 2025 Click here to get your copy of the Nature Fit Family Well-being Checklist Don’t have a Church? Start listening to the Ocean’s Church Podcast  

In this episode, Brett shares a powerful revelation about stress and personal growth. After joining a live men's Bible study, Brett reflects on a key lesson from 1 Samuel 2:10-11—his life is not his own, and true surrender to God requires relinquishing control. This realization deepens his understanding of stress, shifting his perspective from merely managing it to using it as a tool for personal transformation. Brett explores how stress functions like physical strain in muscle growth—tearing down to rebuild stronger. Instead of simply reacting to stress, he encourages listeners to reflect on the deeper lessons it offers. By shifting focus from stress management to stress transformation, parents can approach challenges with wisdom and resilience. He shares a personal story about workplace frustration, illustrating how recognizing different backgrounds and perspectives helped him overcome anger. Brett emphasizes the importance of stepping back, evaluating emotional triggers, and aligning one's mindset with fai

In this episode, Brett shares personal reflections on faith, writing, and the power of daily connection with God. He begins with a conversation at work that unexpectedly led to a discussion about book writing and how AI tools like ChatGPT can help structure ideas. While initially hesitant about using technology in the creative process, Brett realizes that God can speak through many avenues, including AI, to inspire and guide us.   Brett then introduces a new practice he’s incorporating into his spiritual life—Bible stacking. This method helps him dive deeper into scripture, not just reading the words but actively seeking God’s message and applying it to his daily life. He reflects on Hebrews 11, exploring the difference between belief and faith, and how true faith requires unwavering confidence in what we hope for, even when we can’t see the outcome.   Through his journey of writing, prayer, and Bible study, Brett encourages listeners to explore their own faith, embrace their creative calling, and trust in Go

In this episode, Brett explores the profound question of purpose and how it connects to faith, parenting, and serving others. He shares personal reflections on how his understanding of purpose has evolved—from simply raising good children to actively demonstrating a life of faith. Drawing inspiration from scripture, he emphasizes the importance of leading by example, showing children how to pray, read the Bible, and engage with a church community.   Brett also discusses the role of service, both in the family and the broader community. He reflects on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet as an act of humility and love, reinforcing that our purpose is to serve others. He connects this to psychology, noting that serving others is one of the fastest ways to alleviate depression and find fulfillment.   Ultimately, he encourages listeners to seek God for their true purpose. He shares his own recent experience of surrendering his life, business, and marriage to God, trusting in divine guidance. Brett challenges parents

In this episode, Brett reflects on the foundational role of the outdoors in shaping a balanced and fulfilling life. He revisits his personal process for helping families connect, grow, and flourish, emphasizing how stepping outside daily is the first step toward mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Brett shares his recent shift in perspective—integrating a stronger spiritual focus into his message—recognizing that true transformation comes not just from personal development but from aligning with God's wisdom.   He explores how negative moods, stress, and an unbalanced life keep people stuck in a cycle of frustration, while faith, patience, and daily connection with God provide clarity and peace. Brett also introduces the Bible Stack practice, a method of reading scripture, praying for insight, and applying biblical lessons to daily struggles. He shares how this practice has reshaped his own perspective on finances, stress, and personal growth, encouraging listeners to trust in God’s timing

In this episode, Brett wraps up a transformative series on creating a family legacy through nature, faith, and personal growth. He shares his refined philosophy, breaking it down into four key stages: Nature Nurturer, Balance Builder, Legacy Lever, and finally, Progress Pro. Brett emphasizes that true progress isn’t just about personal development—it’s about partnering with God to ensure we are living out His will, not just our own.   Key Takeaways: Nature Nurturer – Reconnecting with the outdoors is essential for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Grounding in nature helps clear distractions and brings us back to the present moment. Balance Builder – Achieving stability across fitness, faith, family, and finances leads to a more fulfilling life. Our mood and stress levels impact our ability to show up for ourselves and our loved ones. Legacy Lever – Designing a life plan based on core values ensures that we are working toward a meaningful, lasting impact for our family and beyond. Progre

In this episode, Brett continues his series on building a fulfilling family life by sharing his process for creating a life plan. He reflects on how many people live distracted, reactive lives without a clear direction, and he outlines the steps to breaking that cycle. Through personal experiences, he explains the importance of daily outdoor time, mood management, and long-term vision in shaping a meaningful legacy. Drawing from books like In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and Hero on a Mission, Brett introduces the Legacy Lever, a framework for intentionally designing a life that aligns with core values. He encourages parents to think beyond financial inheritance and focus on passing down character, values, and traditions. By crafting a life plan—including writing a eulogy and setting one-, five-, and ten-year goals—families can shift from merely surviving to thriving with purpose.   Key Takeaways: Daily Outdoor Time is Foundational – Nature helps clear the mind, reduce stress, and increase awareness, set

In this episode, Brett dives deep into the concept of balance—exploring how mental steadiness and emotional stability are crucial for personal growth and becoming the parent your children need. Brett reflects on his struggles with work-life balance, stress, and mood, sharing how a shift in perspective helped him uncover the true meaning of balance: a habit of calm behavior. He recounts a humbling parenting moment that led him to focus on personal development and the interconnectedness of mood, stress, and attitude in achieving balance. Brett emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes of stress and negative moods, rather than just mitigating their symptoms, and provides actionable steps for parents to regain balance and show up as the best version of themselves.   Key Takeaways: Redefining Balance: Balance isn’t just about managing work and family; it’s about achieving mental steadiness and emotional stability through a habit of calm behavior. Stress Management: Identifying and preparing for common s

In this episode, Brett explores the connection between faith, the outdoors, and personal well-being. Brett shares a transformative story about his faith journey, the power of the Holy Spirit, and how aligning with God can bring clarity, patience, and love into daily life. He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature to escape the distractions of modern life and nurture our mental, emotional, and physical health. Brett also reflects on his personal experiences growing up outdoors, rediscovering its benefits, and how he incorporates this passion into his parenting and family life.   Key Takeaways: Daily Faith Practice: The Holy Spirit is a continual presence but requires daily seeking. By doing so, you can experience the fruits of the Spirit, such as joy, patience, and kindness, which positively influence family dynamics. The Outdoors as Therapy: Spending time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting immunity and improving mood. Nature offers a space to clear your mind and r

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett explores the profound role of fathers and parents in shaping their children's emotional and spiritual well-being. Drawing inspiration from scripture and personal reflections, Brett highlights the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and inviting God into parenting journeys. Brett discusses his own struggles with patience and frustration, sharing how reading Colossians 3:21, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged,” challenged him to reflect on how his words and actions impact his son. He emphasizes that fostering emotional stability and encouragement is vital for children to thrive. Through outdoor experiences and deeper connections with God, Brett shares how he’s finding peace, balance, and strength to manage his emotions, while being a better role model for his child.   Key Takeaways: Don’t Discourage, Inspire: As parents, it’s crucial to be encouragers, helping children feel capable and confident in their abilities

In this episode of Nature Fit Family, Brett shares a personal story about finding grace and humor in frustrating moments and explains his process for building a connected and thriving family life. At the heart of his philosophy are four key pillars, each guided by a partnership with God, to help parents live with purpose, balance, and joy.   Key Takeaways: Get Outside Daily: Nature offers immense benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By stepping outdoors, you clear your mind, reduce stress, and reconnect with the present moment. Grounding—physically connecting to the earth—enhances this connection and brings additional healing energy. Prioritize Self-Care: To show up fully for your family, you must nurture your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. When you’re balanced, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges with patience and grace. Create a Life Plan: Think about your legacy and the life you want for your family. Start with the end in mind by setting clear goals a

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett dives into the transformative power of personal development when partnered with faith, exploring how aligning with God can elevate mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Brett shares his personal journey of rediscovering the Bible and how it complements his passion for the outdoors and self-improvement. This heartfelt discussion highlights the limitations of self-help alone and the importance of inviting God into our daily lives to foster meaningful growth.   Key takeaways: Self-Help vs. Faith Partnership: While personal development teaches valuable habits like discipline and motivation, it often falls short in addressing deeper emotional struggles. True transformation happens when we lean on God for guidance and healing. The Power of Invitation: Inviting God into your life, through prayer and the Holy Spirit, can bring clarity and strength to navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, and stress. Nature and Spirituality: Spending time outdoors not only ben

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett dives into the critical topic of breaking free from distractions like social media and television to cultivate a more present and meaningful life. Brett shares personal experiences of overcoming his own addiction to media, the emotional toll it took, and the transformative power of stepping away from the constant noise to reconnect with nature, faith, and family.   Key Takeaways: Break Free to Grow Brett recounts how cutting off cable TV in the early 2000s marked a turning point in his life, helping him break the cycle of mindless consumption and focus on self-improvement. He likens this to today’s struggles with social media addiction, emphasizing the importance of creating boundaries to protect your mental and emotional health. Protect Your Mind and Heart Drawing from scripture and neuroscience, Brett highlights how what we consume—whether visually or audibly—affects our thoughts, feelings, and ultimately, our actions. Protecting your “input” is key to maintaining

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett shares his personal journey of transformation, reflecting on the power of faith, personal development, and time spent outdoors to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Drawing from recent life experiences, Brett explores the struggles he has faced, the lessons he’s learned, and the profound changes he’s experiencing as he embraces a deeper connection with God, his family, and himself. Brett recounts how rediscovering his faith through the teachings of Pastor Mark Francey of Ocean’s Church has reignited his spiritual growth and shifted his perspective on life’s challenges. He emphasizes the importance of being present, reconnecting with nature, and breaking away from distractions like social media to foster mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Through vulnerable storytelling, Brett encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, prioritize self-care, and embrace the transformative potential of faith, family, and the outdoors. Key Takeaways: Embrac

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett dives into the power of our responses to life’s challenges. As parents, we’re often faced with internal and external pressures that can shape how we react to situations, relationships, and daily struggles. Brett shares personal reflections, faith-based insights, and actionable strategies to help listeners shift their focus from negativity to positivity, fostering healthier mindsets and relationships.   Here are four key takeaways from this episode: The Voices We Listen To: Brett explores the idea of three internal voices—our own, God’s, and the devil’s—encouraging us to reflect on which one influences our actions the most. By tuning into positive guidance, we can better navigate life’s challenges. Assumptions and Misunderstandings: Miscommunication often arises from assumptions about others’ thoughts or intentions. Brett emphasizes the importance of seeking clarity and understanding rather than reacting based on perceived stories. The Impact of Negativity: Constant

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett dives into the profound connection between our emotions, spiritual well-being, and physical health. Inspired by the book A More Excellent Way, Brett explores how negative emotions like bitterness, fear, and stress can deplete our immune system and contribute to physical ailments. He shares his personal reflections on how emotional healing, forgiveness, and self-love are essential for overall wellness and effective parenting. Brett emphasizes the importance of examining our hearts,  letting go of bitterness, and seeking peace within ourselves to show up fully for our families. He encourages listeners to reflect on areas where they might need to release negative feelings, forgive others, and prioritize emotional well-being as a key part of a healthier life.   Key Takeaways: Emotional Health Affects Physical Health: Negative emotions like stress, fear, and bitterness can weaken the immune system, while positive emotions can promote healing and wellness. The Impact of B

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett shares a powerful story about parenting, emotional growth, and the importance of teaching forgiveness. Brett reflects on a personal moment when he reacted sternly toward his son and later realized the importance of apologizing and asking for forgiveness. He emphasizes how children often move on quickly from emotional situations, while adults tend to hold on to unresolved feelings longer. Brett's experience inspired him to focus on modeling emotional responsibility and humility for his son, even when children may not fully understand the concept of forgiveness yet. Throughout the episode, Brett connects his personal growth with lessons from the Bible and his Five Minutes at Sunrise morning routine, which helps him prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to be more present for his family. He encourages parents to reflect on how they respond during challenging parenting moments and consider how those responses influence their children’s emotional development.   K

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett shares a heartfelt reflection on the importance of slowing down, connecting with nature, and listening for divine guidance. He opens with a powerful story about hearing his name called in the middle of the night, connecting this experience to a deeper realization about God’s voice trying to reach him during challenging times. Brett recounts his struggles with stress, overwhelm, and emotional disconnect after moving from the peaceful outdoors into a busy city life filled with distractions. He shares how reconnecting with nature and faith has brought clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose.   Key Takeaways: Reconnect with Nature: Spending quiet time outdoors can calm the mind, release tension, and create space for personal reflection and spiritual connection. Listen for Divine Guidance: Moments of stillness often allow God’s voice to reach us, reminding us to slow down and be open to His wisdom and peace. Prioritize Personal Growth: Brett encourages focusing on

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett shares a powerful message about self-criticism, personal growth, and leading your family with love and faith. Brett opens with a touching story about his son struggling to express feelings of overwhelm, which sparked reflections on how adults often face similar struggles with self-criticism. He emphasizes the importance of self-love and grace, especially as parents aiming to guide their families with strength and presence. Brett also shares personal challenges in his marriage, finances, and leadership, highlighting how avoiding self-blame while taking full responsibility is key to growth. Drawing from his faith and recent readings, Brett encourages listeners to minimize self-criticism, love themselves more deeply, and communicate openly in relationships to foster personal and family transformation.   Key Takeaways: Overwhelm Often Stems from Self-Criticism: Feelings of overwhelm often reflect mental overload, not personal failure. Self-Love Enhances Family Leadershi

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett dives deep into the power of personal agency and spiritual growth, sharing personal revelations from his faith journey. Reflecting on his son's uninhibited nature and the way life often conditions us to suppress our desires, Brett emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the dreams and passions we once had as children. He explores the concept of personal agency not as complete self-reliance but as a partnership with God, highlighting how faith can provide the strength needed to overcome life's challenges. Brett shares a powerful personal breakthrough inspired by the biblical parable of the sower, realizing that for years he had been living among the "thorns"—overwhelmed by life’s worries and striving alone. He encourages listeners to seek God's guidance instead of bearing the weight of life independently. His message reinforces the importance of gratitude, faith, and intentional growth in all areas of life. Key Takeaways: Reclaim Your Childhood Dreams: Life often con