School Of Awesome Sauce With Greg Denning

Does having children or being married make you more unhappy than single or childless individuals? Many people (rightly) say 'Yes'! That's why more and more people are choosing to remain single, to avoid long-term commitments, and to vow to never have children at all. Because it IS hard and often makes you 'unhappy'.But what if happiness is not the point of life? What if the challenges of marriage and parenting aren't something to avoid, but the very things that make life meaningful? In this episode, we dive into a conversation inspired by a Facebook post that sparked a debate on whether the struggles of raising children and maintaining a marriage are worth it. The Dennings explore the idea that, far from being reasons to quit, these challenges are paths to personal growth, fulfillment, and a more rewarding, meaningful (even if sometimes unhappy), life.They also challenge the modern trend of avoiding discomfort for the sake of comfort and convenience, instead suggesting that leaning int

Are you feeling confused, frustrated, or angry about the noise of politics and social media? Constantly caught between opposing views, trying to figure out what’s true? In this episode, we explore the idea that true change begins with YOU. Instead of getting caught up in the endless political cycle, we focus on self development and taking control of your own life.As the world seems more divided than ever, the only way forward is to navigate through the chaos with a balanced perspective—just like walking the labyrinth of life. In this thought-provoking conversation, we dive into why you can’t just settle on one side of the issue and call it truth. Truth is dynamic—it’s about developing all parts of yourself and understanding both sides. It’s about evolving, continuing the journey, and embracing the complexity of life.From the importance of family to the role of personal health and relationships in creating a strong foundation for societal change, we challenge the notion of trying to fix the world before fixing

"What are some practical steps to change our emotional state? How do we change the energy that we radiate? You guys emphasize that it’s a choice, we can choose... but why does that feel so difficult and strange? How do you do it so that it is genuine and not a mask?"In this episode, Greg and Rachel explore the powerful impact of emotional awareness and emotional intelligence on family life -- especially on your ability to parent well. They dive into these thoughtful questions, explaining why emotional shifts can feel challenging and how to make those changes feel authentic.The Dennings break down how cultivating emotional awareness helps us recognize the root causes of our feelings, fostering healthier relationships and stronger family dynamics with our children. They share practical strategies like practicing gratitude, becoming aware of our thoughts, and using physical actions (such as exercise) to shift our emotional states.By the end of this episode, you’ll gain practical, actionable tools to be

In this powerful episode, we delve into the concept of EXTREME Gratitude — a mindset that can shift the way we experience life's challenges and blessings. Join us as we reflect on the fragility of life and howtragedy can serve as a stark reminder to cherish every precious moment with our children. From personal stories of heartache and near-loss to practical advice for cultivating a deeper sense of appreciation, this episode encourages parents to embrace gratitude over frustration. Learn how you can correct your child's behavior with love, not irritation, and how focusing on what truly matters can transform the way you parent. This sobering, yet hopeful message will inspire you to embrace life with greater intention and show your children how much they are truly cherished.More videos on challenging situations that caused us to focus on what truly matters:RESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey:JOIN GREG'S ⁠90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE⁠! Get Rachel's⁠⁠⁠Family Systems &

You don’t eat vegetables???!!!This question came from a listener after hearing Greg and Rachel’s radical approach to nutrition.You might be thinking the same thing, but stick with us –theydive deep into the reasons behind theirdecision to stop eating vegetables,how they moved to an animal-based diet,why salad is a 'toxic sludge',how the food pyramid is a scam,and the evidence on howtransforming their eatingas helped them achieve the best health of their lives -- which includes NO diseases and no medications--and they've done itwithout vegetables, vitamins or supplements.The listener who asked the question has struggled with his weight and health for years and has been on a roller coaster of diets and health protocols, from being an active football player to a vegan and back to a meat-inclusive diet.Now, he’s turned to Greg and Rachel’s expert advice, determined to find a solution that works for his body.Greg and Rachelshare the years of research, books, and health principles that led them to embra

A strong, thriving marriage can bring immense joy and happiness to your life -- but a struggling one can create unnecessary pain and misery. In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning unlock the secret to "marriage magic" that can be the foundation of true happiness and fulfillment.  They share how to break free from marriage mediocrity by setting high expectations for your relationship and making intentional efforts to create something extraordinary. They dive into important topics like conflict resolution, overcoming self-sabotage, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, all aimed at helping couples build a deeper, more meaningful connection. Drawing from their experiences as parents of seven children and globe-trotters, Greg and Rachel emphasize the power of investing in your relationship—whether through carving out mental space for intimacy or taking regular retreats to reconnect. They discuss the value of having a shared vision for the future and the impact of coaching and intent

"Is there room for doubt? Or are you always certain (in this podcast, etc) that your decisions/choices about how to navigate this life are the way everyone should also do things? Because if you are certain, that leaves no room for tolerance or unity, which isn't necessarily a good thing." In this episode, we discuss certainty and the role it plays in the choices we make and the lives we live. We are VERY CERTAIN about many things we talk about on this podcast, but is that always a good thing? A listener recently shared a thought-provoking perspective inspired by the movie The Conclave, where a cardinal gives a powerful speech on the dangers of certainty. Then, after watching our episode #276, they wondered if our confidence in our choices—whether in parenting, relationships, or personal development—leaves room for doubt or growth. They asked: “Is there room for ‘doubt,’ or are you always ‘certain’ that your way is the best for everyone?” Greg and Rachel Denning reflect on this powerful que

In this episode, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning tackle a question from a listener about navigating family dynamics, particularly when your lifestyle choices conflict with those of your in-laws. The listener expresses frustration about her family's refusal to respect her parenting choices, from food habits to childcare practices, and the toll this has taken on her relationship with her in-laws and her own family culture. The Denning’s dive deep into how to respond to family members—especially in-laws—who either oppose or feel uncomfortable with your lifestyle choices. They address the emotional struggle of setting boundaries without alienating loved ones and the importance of clear, honest communication in these delicate situations. They also touch on the challenges of creating a healthy family environment for your children, especially when outside influences—like extended family members—might not share your values. This episode is packed with insights on how to maintain your peace and family integrity w

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