School Of Awesome Sauce With Greg Denning

In this episode, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning dive into the vital concept of taking control of family life and prioritizing family values over societal norms. They encourage listeners to refuse to participate in the pressure to conform to mainstream expectations and instead focus on building a life centered around personal and family growth, self-and-family improvement, and family connection. Greg and Rachel discuss how fostering a strong, purposeful family unit starts with the individual’s commitment to growth and alignment with their core values. Throughout the episode, the Dennings explore the challenges of living authentically in a world that often rewards conformity over individuality. They share candid insights from their own journey of overcoming obstacles and creating a family culture that aligns with their beliefs. The conversation touches on the importance of embracing nonconformity, finding deeper meaning in everyday life, and overcoming societal pressures that can undermine family cohesion. Whe

In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, Greg and Rachel Denning share powerful new year motivation for parents seeking to inspire and guide their children. They discuss the importance of setting goals, embracing discomfort, and preparing kids to face life’s challenges with resilience. By modeling adaptability and growth, parents can foster a supportive environment where their children learn to thrive, not just listen. The Dennings emphasize that identity transformation—shifting from a fixed mindset to one that embraces change—is critical for achieving success in both parenting and personal development. Greg and Rachel also explore how parents can improve communication, lead by example, and instill a sense of responsibility in their kids. They believe that teaching children to embrace failure as a learning opportunity builds resilience and independence. This episode offers practical insights on how to balance guidance with freedom, ensuring children not only listen but grow into capable, conf

In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning explore the complexities of marriage dynamics, offering valuable insights on how communication, understanding, and mutual growth are essential for a thriving partnership. They dive into the challenges couples face, such as betrayal and rejection, and provide practical advice on how to navigate these issues with empathy and reassurance. Rather than focusing solely on traditional counseling, the Dennings encourage couples to consider working with a life coach to help them strengthen their relationship and reach their fullest potential. Greg and Rachel highlight the importance of seeking proactive, forward-thinking support, such as life coaching, to help couples gain clarity, set goals, and develop healthy communication strategies. They also emphasize the power of shared resources—both emotional and practical—in strengthening a marriage. Whether you're just beginning your relationship or have been married for years, this epis

In this thought-provoking episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning explore the profound impact of societal systems on parenting and family life. They delve into the concept of “the matrix” — the conventional structures that shape education, success, and personal identity — and how these systems can keep families stuck in unproductive patterns, preventing them from creating an extraordinary, significant life. They emphasize the importance of fostering a strong foundation for children, focusing not just on academic success but on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They argue that success should not be confined to grades and jobs but redefined to prioritize happiness, autonomy, and resilience. Drawing on real-life examples, the Dennings highlight the critical role of habits, accountability, and a supportive environment in shaping a child’s future. The conversation also critiques the flaws in the traditional educational system and underscores the value of preparing

In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning dive into practical strategies for managing resistant children and helping them develop positive routines and habits. If your child struggles with resistance or has difficulty adjusting to structure, this episode is for you. Greg and Rachel explore how small changes in family dynamics—like improving self-awareness, fostering emotional connections, and creating flexible routines—can make a significant difference in your child’s behavior and happiness. They discuss the importance of balance between work and play, how understanding a child's emotional needs influences their actions, and why a parent’s demeanor and attitude are crucial to creating a nurturing environment. They emphasize the value of sleep, nutrition, and play in a child’s overall well-being, and how these factors can help even the most resistant children become more cooperative and content. Tune in for actionable tips on transforming resistance into resilience

In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning explore the challenges parents face when encouraging their children to practice musical instruments, emphasizing the role of music in promoting lifelong learning and brain development. They tackle the common struggle of balancing practice with enjoyment, and share strategies to foster a love for music while building skills.  One participant from their 28-Day Challenge asks, “How do you address problems with kids that don’t want to practice musical instruments? I feel like it’s so important for their education to have this skill, but I’m so tired of trying to get them to practice. It’s always a struggle. They say they love playing but hate to practice. I seriously feel like a crazy person going between wanting them to play and telling them we are going to cancel lessons because it’s pointless to pay for them if they don’t practice.” Greg and Rachel dive into this question, offering practical advice for parents on how to mot

In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning delve into the complexities of the parenting journey, emphasizing the critical nuances that can shape vastly different outcomes for children. They explore the delicate balance between control and freedom, advocating for a parenting style that allows children to make their own decisions within a safe, supportive environment. The Dennings share invaluable insights on teaching decision-making skills, the importance of learning through experience, and how respecting children's autonomy fosters growth. While it might seem counterintuitive, they emphasize that loosening control can lead to better long-term outcomes for children. They further elaborate on the principles of effective parenting, underscoring the role of authority, mutual respect, and understanding the natural behavior of children. They highlight how excessive control can fuel rebellion and unhappiness, urging parents to adopt a parenting style that encourages healt

In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning reflect on the wildly successful Toujours Prêts training event and dive into the importance of lifelong learning as a key to becoming an asset to your family and community. Held at the beautiful World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal, this event empowered participants to develop the skills, confidence, and mindset necessary to face life's unexpected challenges. The Dennings stress that hope is not a strategy—preparation is crucial, and lifelong learning is the foundation of readiness and becoming an asset. Through real-life scenarios, they highlight the importance of training, physical fitness, and the power of community support. Shifting from a mindset of fear to one of freedom is another key takeaway, one that can transform your life and help you thrive in difficult circumstances. If you missed the event, don’t worry! Greg and Rachel encourage you to join them next time at the World School Family Resor

In today's digital age, managing tech boundaries with older teens and young adults can be a delicate balancing act. On this episode of The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Rachel and Greg Denning dive deep into strategies for maintaining healthy tech boundaries and encouraging digital minimalism, especially with phones and devices. They share practical tips for parents seeking to help their teens thrive in a tech-saturated world while fostering meaningful offline activities, like hobbies and family engagement. One listener's question serves as the foundation for the conversation: “Hi there, I've admired your family and would love some insight on managing teen cell phone use. We’ve been a low-tech family—our oldest got her first phone at 16, with no apps or internet. Now at 18, she has minimal apps and no social media, but she's constantly on her phone, texting or using Marco Polo. She no longer engages in hobbies like playing piano or spending time with siblings. How have you balanced freedom with boundarie

Are you willing to sacrifice greatly in order to attain highly and achieve your biggest goals? We received this great question from one of our viewers: ““He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.” – James Allen. In line with this powerful quote, how have Greg and Rachel Denning sacrificed greatly to build the extraordinary life they have today? How did they overcome the fear of losing comfort, security, or even social expectations to pursue their dreams? Then as a follow up question: what advice would you give to people in order to overcome the fear of loss or sacrifice for something better?” In this episode of The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel open up about their personal journey, including how they have sacrificed greatly in order to attain highly — sacrifices like comfort, leisure, and even time with family and friends. They also share valuable advice on how to overcome the fea

In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning share powerful insights on Proactive Parenting, revealing how to raise kids who develop into responsible, confident teens—teens you not only want to spend time with, but who genuinely want to be with you as well. For the first time ever, Greg and Rachel are joined by special guests Brian and Sam, two seasoned parents who offer fresh perspectives and practical advice on navigating the parenting journey. Together, they dive into the importance of building strong emotional connections with your children and maintaining a long-term vision for your parenting approach. They explore the concept of the “emotional bank account,” where positive interactions create lasting trust and open communication. The conversation also touches on the essential role of physical touch and emotional support in fostering a strong family bond. Greg, Rachel, Brian, and Sam discuss how creativity and proactive thinking are key to overcoming parenting c

Are you struggling with building family culture? Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in fostering a healthy environment where everyone thrives. This episode of The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast is a recorded live session of the 28-Day Challenge course ( https://courses.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/bundles/extraordinary-family-life-bundle ) where Greg and Rachel Denning share their insights on the importance of emotional awareness in building family culture. They highlight common issues, such as how neglecting emotional processing can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. For example, many families might ignore negative emotions, thinking they’ll just go away, but this often leads to bigger problems down the line. By creating a safe space for emotional expression, you can encourage open communication and emotional growth. Greg and Rachel discuss practical tools for processing emotions that can transform your family culture. Discover how individual emotional states influence family dynamics and why

Welcome to the Extraordinary Family Life podcast! In this compelling episode, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning address a heartfelt listener question that strikes at the core of personal development and the complexities surrounding divorce. Our listener shares her incredible journey of growth over the past decade and the deep challenges she's faced as she feels increasingly disconnected from her husband. She describes feeling "multiple levels ahead of him in most aspects of life," leading to feelings of resentment and frustration. As she diligently works on self-improvement, she expresses, "I think I have been going through YEARS of grief in my marriage," grappling with the emotional toll of feeling alone in her relationship. Together, we explore her struggles with communication, the potential consequences of considering divorce, and whether she should "just be grateful for what I have" or push for more. Rachel and Greg discuss the complexities of navigating a relationship where one partner is committed to growth

In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning delve into the pervasive issue of entitlement in families and society, exploring how it shapes behavior and undermines resilience. They emphasize the importance of free speech as a tool for understanding and compromise, highlighting that open communication often requires navigating discomfort. A recurring theme is the critical role parents play in fostering resilience in children, rather than over-coddling them. The hosts argue that life's pressures should be reframed as challenges to overcome, and that healthy mindsets, grounded in self-reliance and gratitude, are essential for personal growth. Personal responsibility and fostering grit and resilience are key to navigating the challenges of life. The episode stresses that the world does not owe us —we must learn to adapt to the world. Over-accommodation, whether in families or society, can weaken individuals, while healthy boundaries are necessary for growth. Judgment, often seen as negative, is discussed as a crucial

In this empowering episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning explore the essential theme of facing your fear in the pursuit of an extraordinary life. Through heartfelt personal stories and insightful discussions, they illustrate how confronting fear and overcoming feelings of overwhelm can lead to profound personal growth. Greg and Rachel emphasize that living a fulfilling life isn’t about avoiding fear but embracing it. They share practical strategies for stepping outside your comfort zone and making bold decisions that can unlock new opportunities. This episode offers listeners inspiration and actionable advice on how to face your fear and transform challenges into stepping stones for a richer, more meaningful existence. Whether you’re seeking to take a leap in your career, enhance your relationships, or simply cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment, this episode will motivate you to tackle your fears head-on. Join Greg and Rachel on this transformative journey and dis

In this inspiring episode, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning delve into the philosophy of 'escaping the unhappy dream of our life' and creating a truly fulfilling life instead. They discuss why so many people are 'content' with the results they have instead of pursuing the results they really want. Creating a truly happy life requires deliberate choices and intentional actions. Hard work is required to achieve anything extraordinary. The difference is, with the right coaching and mentoring, you can learn to work hard with 'power tools' instead of doing everything 'by hand'. The Dennings also explore how divine discontent can fuel personal growth and transformation and can be the key to fulfillment. They highlight the importance of continuous effort in pursuing happiness and encourage listeners to reject mediocrity in favor of an extraordinary life. Because if they can do it, so can you, since they began their journey as completely 'normal' people. It’s time to identify what you truly want and take the first st

Join hosts Greg and Rachel Denning in this enlightening episode, where they delve into the vital themes of healthy eating and overall health self-improvement amidst today’s societal challenges of unhealthy processed food options (including during the holidays). Discover the concept of obligation eating and the social expectations of consuming foods that aren't good for you. How do you say no? One key is to fully understand the hidden dangers of processed foods, and the importance of healthy eating practices that nourish both body and mind over a lifetime. Tune in to learn how mindful food choices can positively impact your family’s well-being and strengthen your connections now and in the future. The Dennings emphasize the importance of maintaining personal health standards and how effective communication about food contributes to overall family health. They explore practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries with food to support your family’s health and well-being. With insights drawn from th

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