School Of Awesome Sauce With Greg Denning

In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, Greg and Rachel Denning share a real-life experience happening to them now to illustrate the journey of pursuing goals which is often filled with unexpected twists and challenges. They reveal how pursuing big goals often leads through a series of obstacles, each one becoming an opportunity for growth and learning. Join them as they share their highs and lows, and explore how embracing these challenges shapes your journey in profound ways. Greg and Rachel discuss the significance of recognizing patterns in the challenges we face and how problem-solving skills play a crucial role in overcoming them. They emphasize that the journey itself, rather than just the destination, shapes who we become. Through their personal story, they illustrate that every obstacle is a stepping stone towards achieving our dreams. Tune in to discover how facing obstacles with a growth mindset can lead to unexpected blessings and a deeper appreciation of the journey. Embrace th

Welcome to this episode, where hosts Greg and Rachel Denning dive into a crucial and timely discussion: Why are so many people leaving the church? They tackle the often-taboo topic of questioning religious beliefs and practices, emphasizing the importance of examining and challenging these aspects to foster genuine transformation and growth within faith communities. With a keen eye on both the potential for positive change and the shortcomings that sometimes plague churches, the Dennings advocate for a faith journey that prioritizes truth-seeking, open dialogue, and the need to challenge sacred cows. Join Greg and Rachel as they explore how questioning and examining existing religious institutions can lead to meaningful improvements and personal growth. They shed light on the dangers of bureaucratic stagnation, the need for grassroots movements, and the incorporation of diverse ideas into religious practice. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that encourages listeners to challenge 'sacred cow

In this compelling episode, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning dive deep into making sense of current events and the societal trends that are causing increasing concern for many parents. They explore the chilling effects of speaking out against emerging issues, the fear of being labeled, and the deliberate erosion of traditional values. The conversation spans the infiltration of left-leaning ideologies into education, government, and big businesses, and examines the dangers of extremism on both ends of the political spectrum. Greg and Rachel address the impact of an undefined identity on mental health and consider the potential consequences of these trends, including the looming threat of a societal tipping point. They stress the urgent need for the silent majority to find their voice and take action to safeguard our values and culture. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of educating ourselves and our children about these destructive ideologies and staying vigilant against their influence, p

Feeling lost and overwhelmed by all the advice and strategies out there about how to change your life? In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Rachel and Greg Denning—successful business owners, avid world travelers, and parents to seven—dive deep into how to tackle the daunting process of making life changes. They respond to this question from one of their listeners: “So if someone wants to change their life, what is step one? I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. I’ve just been listening to so many books and podcasts, and I feel like with all the information, my brain is like scrambled eggs. There are so many different methods, and I understand that not everyone’s size fits all, but I don’t know where to begin.” Rachel and Greg break down these feelings of confusion and overwhelm into three key elements: not knowing where to start, the massive list of potential changes, and the sheer weight of it all. They offer practical advice on finding clarity and breaking down your goals into manageable ste

In this compelling episode, Greg and Rachel Denning reveal a crucial insight: being a good person does not automatically make you a good parent. They argue that effective parenting requires a specific set of skills that can be learned and developed. Join them as they delve into how mastering these parenting skills will help you be a better parent and can drastically reduce discipline problems and create a more harmonious home environment. Greg and Rachel discuss the importance of shifting focus from merely fixing problems to proactively fostering a positive and nurturing environment which PREVENTS problems. They highlight the significance of building a foundation of trust with your child and making emotional deposits into your relationship, rather than depleting it through constant corrections and disciplinary actions. Learn why allowing children to make their own choices and understand the consequences is crucial for their development and how meeting their emotional needs can strengthen your relationship. Th

In this follow-up episode to #268 I’m Tired of Being a Lonely “Roommate With Benefits” For My Husband, Greg and Rachel Denning talk to their male listeners about how to enhance their sexless life. They make a compelling case for focusing on self-improvement as a crucial step. They tackle the complexities of physical intimacy in relationships, exploring the barriers and challenges that often arise. They address why some women may experience a lack of interest in sex and emphasize the necessity of understanding and meeting each other’s needs to maintain a healthy relationship. The Denning duo explores the impact of sexual fulfillment on relationship dynamics, discussing how imbalances can lead to frustration and the importance of open communication. They offer insights into maintaining attraction, emotional openness, and trust within a sexual relationship. The conversation includes practical tips on how to navigate hormonal changes, the significance of creating a positive environment, and the value of paying a

In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning dive deep into today's global issues and share their insights on how to stay informed and prepared. They discuss the significance of asking the right questions and seeking information from credible sources, rather than relying solely on mainstream news. Greg and Rachel explore a range of interconnected themes, including the potential impacts of food shortages, political division, and challenges within the healthcare system. They also address the rise of drug abuse, homelessness, and crime, emphasizing the critical importance of individual and family preparedness and training. Tune in to discover practical advice on mental, emotional, physical, and financial readiness and training, and learn how to cultivate resourcefulness and problem-solving skills. Greg and Rachel also highlight an exciting opportunity for further personal growth and training with the: Toujours Prêt (Always Ready) Asset Training in Portugal this November. This training is designed to help you bec

Join Greg and Rachel Denning as they take you on a thrilling journey through their recent bucket list adventure and travel across London, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China & Qatar. In this episode, they share captivating stories from their travels, including their daring horseback ride in Mongolia, the unique experience of preparing and eating goat, and navigating the cultural complexities of China. Greg and Rachel reflect on the profound lessons learned from their travels—emphasizing the importance of taking breaks, testing systems, and nurturing meaningful relationships. They delve into the significance of personal growth and responsibility within relationships and the value of being an asset in society. As they discuss their adventures and the challenges faced, they also explore the current state of the world, addressing the prevalence of propaganda and societal issues. Tune in to hear their thoughts on staying self-reliant and capable, and get a glimpse of their upcoming asset training event designed to eq

In this enriching episode, Greg and Rachel delve into invaluable strategies for supporting your spouse's personal growth and enhancing your relationship. What strategies do Greg and Rachel recommend for supporting your spouse's personal growth within a marriage?: They begin by offering insightful marriage advice, emphasizing the importance of actively helping your partner improve within the context of your shared journey They underscore the importance of implementing "pattern interrupters" — strategies to break out of negative cycles and habits that may hinder personal growth. They highlight the significance of trying new approaches to foster fresh perspectives and promote constructive change, even if they involve doing the opposite of what hasn’t been working. They also recommend the principle of reciprocity in relationships. They stress the need for both partners to engage in behaviors that the other appreciates and values actively. This intentional effort strengthens the bond between

Welcome to "Raising Teens Today," where Greg and Rachel Denning challenge the norms of parenting teens in today's world. The Denning's share personal anecdotes that unravel the joy and unexpected friendship that can blossom during the teenage phase. They emphasize the profound impact of early emotional connections, and underscore the critical roles of sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle choices in shaping teenagers' behaviors and mental health. Delving into contemporary challenges, Greg and Rachel dissect the influence of social media and video games on teenagers, advocating for minimizing these distractions to foster healthier development. Their approach to discipline revolves around natural consequences and practical life lessons, emphasizing responsibility and earning privileges through tangible contributions. Practical strategies are unveiled for handling defiance and motivational hurdles in teenagers, emphasizing clear expectations and constructive family dynamics. Ultimately, they i

If you’re feeling lonely in your marriage, like a roommate ‘with benefits’ instead of partners, best friends, and lovers, then you’ll want to listen to this episode! We received this great question from one of our podcast listeners:  “I’ve been listening for a long time.  Thank you for your podcasts, and for championing greatness in personal and family living. Because of your podcasts and recommended reading I’ve realized that my husband needs physical intimacy more than I do, and I’ve tried to step up and make sure that his needs are met. When he’s home, he’s not home - he’s on the computer playing games. When we are on a date, he’s not on the date - he’s looking at his phone. When we go on vacation together, he’s not with me - he’s on the iPad.  I’ve expressed my need for his attention, but I don’t feel heard. Habits are deeply rooted (on both sides) and we fall into our same patterns of interaction. I have become more autonomous (which he hasn’t liked because I’m less available). I’ve gone back to school (

If you're NOT a new parent, you still want to listen to this episode -- because it may help you to understand WHY you have the current relationship you do with your children and/or your spouse because of things that happened or did NOT happen during the baby and child-rearing phases! But this episode came in response to this question which we received: "My husband and I have been married for a little over two years and we are expecting our first baby in the Fall. We've both listened to and loved your podcast even before we were married. Now that we are about to become parents, we are relistening to your podcasts since they've taken on a decidedly new meaning and depth. Understandably, your podcasts talk a lot about older children, teenagers, and your adult children launching into successful lives. What I (wife) was wondering is if you could answer some questions about what it was like to become parents for the first time. I've listened to prominent speakers like Jordan Peterson talk abou

"I have a follow-up question to podcast 264. Greg talked about kids being more autonomous, but that you don't want your spouse to be autonomous. This is a new concept to me. What I've heard (from [well-known life coach]) is that since you can't control circumstances that you need to change the way you think about them so that you are OK with your circumstances instead of being discouraged or saddened by them. So, I have, in some ways, done this with my husband, so that I won't be bothered by things he does or doesn't do. I'm wondering now if that was a mistake. I just don't want to be one of those wives that is constantly getting after her husband and being critical of him because I know that criticism from a spouse is hard and can hurt. I'd rather my husband feel like I'm his cheerleader. I know for myself when people see the good in me I am encouraged to do better, and when people are critical of me it can feel discouraging." In this episode, Greg and Rachel an

It's easy to get stuck in a rut and to fill that your days blur together... especially while raising a family. So how do you change that? How do you have more happiness, meaning, and joy in the day-to-day 'to do's that otherwise feel so pointless and mundane? That's what we discuss in this episode. Despite the 'Instagram perfect' image of what your 'dream life', might look like, the reality is it will be filled with hard work. In fact, you may already be living your dream life and you just don't know it (if you ever 'dreamed' of getting married or having a family, then you're now living that dream). So how do you make life more 'dreamy' and less 'blah'? Listen now to discover the specific strategies that Greg and Rachel use on a daily basis to 'practice happiness' and to bring more magic to the moments and meaning to the otherwise mundane. RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family S

This week's question came from a member of Rachel's 28-Day Challenge who said: "I really struggle with trying to do everything. I feel like when I was doing the M1 (Marriage Level 1) Challenge my marriage was great. But I can't keep it up on that level while I'm trying to focus on my kids. And when I focus on my kids then my husband feels neglected. And if I take time for myself then I feel my kids and husband are being neglected. I feel that everyone needs me all the time and I can't be there for a spouse and 4 kids all the time. I can only focus on one are or one person at a time and when I'm trying to 'do everything' instead of everything being a little bit better, I feel that everything is not getting the attention that it needs so it's all suffering. I feel stretched too thin and like I need to be more than one person to accomplish everything." As a mother of 7 children I totally relate. I've been there! And yet, I have been able to accomplish a crazy amo

We received this via email: "I read the book The Untethered Soul and I understood that the main idea is letting go of our thoughts and just feeling the emotions and letting them be. Realising some kind of detachment to them.  But I’ve found it really difficult to do that. I get stuck in some thoughts in my head regarding my husband... I have arguments in my mind with him... I’ve tried to not engage in my thoughts and let them go, but I haven’t succeeded. I think because they are not assumptions but based on previous experiences... I don’t talk to anybody about this, but I hope by sharing this that you can help me let go. I have small children and I’m trying to homeschool while needing to do everything else at home. My husband works full-time and doesn’t help much at home. This would be fine, but because I struggle to keep the house clean he is not happy with me. He says he feels that I disrespect him because I don’t keep the house tidy when in reality it’s because I struggle at keeping it clean. I wan

This week's awesome questions come from wives asking, "What do you do when your spouse tells you that you need to get a backbone and manage your own emotions when you tell him that the demeaning way he looks at you is hurtful during a disagreement? He is only trying to give me a firm "no" in response to something I wanted to discuss, but the way he looked at me was cold and intense...it's so hard to describe. So I was trying to communicate to him that he can still disagree but do it in a pleasant, loving manner. I know he's super defensive because of feeling like he's admitted in the past to owning up to his stuff, but it almost sounds like he thinks now he shouldn't have to do it anymore because he's done it so much. I bought 'The Empowered Wife' book which you recommend and want to read it, but I'm trying to finish up some other books first, and I hope that book has some answers... But do you guys have any thoughts for me?? My first line of defense is

"One thing I did have a question about is teaching kids finances and even talking to my spouse about it. We have no communication when it comes to finances. My husband is an entrepreneur businessman and very smart and I don't know a lot about that so I just let him deal with it. It's not the best situation but it has been this way for our entire marriage. We both want to be better at working together but what we are doing isn't working. He tells me he wants me to know what's going on but we haven't found a way where we can be open and talk without getting frustrated. He gets frustrated with me probably because I don't do things the way he does and I get frustrated with him because of the way he is doing it. LOL. If there is a book you could recommend or if you have a podcast sharing how you and Greg handle finances that would be awesome. Also, how do you teach your kids about money? My kids came to me the other day and they could feel the stress about money the past few weeks

I received this excellent question in my Instagram DM "How do you decide which scientific research to listen to? Particularly when it comes to health-related topics like what is healthy to eat and what is not? It seems there is a pretty consistent message in science and research to avoid highly processed foods and sugar. But on the finer points with things such as seed oils, carnivore diet, intermittent fasting, coffee/tea etc. it seems that there is just as much research on the opposite side of the thing you and Greg believe. For example, I can find research from all kinds of researchers, scientists, and doctors saying that coffee/tea is either neutral or slightly beneficial while you and Greg believe it is unhealthy. And the same for how many vegetables/grains should be included in a diet. There is a lot of research saying you should be eating a wide variety of plant fiber. With all of the mix of information, I'm just wondering what your process is for deciding what to listen to or believe?"

This week's topic came from Rachel's recent experiences with their 13-year-old son who has been very motivated to help out around the house lately (because of very specific strategies, which she shares in this episode). AND she also received this question from her Family Systems & Charts community. "Hello there. I just started your chart system and we had our first meeting this week. It went well and I am finally seeing some good results. I have invested a lot of time in this. However, my 17-year-old daughter is not that motivated. What can I do?" In this episode, Greg and Rachel share super specific strategies that WORK, which they have used to raise their five teenagers (out of seven children). They'll explain how they have been able to inspire, motivate, and train their teens to WANT to help out around the house, work hard, and take responsibility -- all while maintaining and developing deep, lasting, positive relationships with their teens and now young adults. They expound on a