School Of Awesome Sauce With Greg Denning

In this series about raising well-adjusted kids and better family stability, we're now diving into the 2nd level of the Extraordinary Family Life Pyramid -- Marriage! YOU are the foundation of your family life, followed by your MARRIAGE. Without strong INDIVIDUAL mental, emotional, spiritual, social, physical, and financial health you don't have the 'solid footing' necessary to raise well-adjusted kids. The same is true when it comes to your marriage. You and your spouse are providing the up-close-and-personal look at interpersonal relationships that your children will take into their adult life and their own relationships. You can NOT fake this. You can't say one thing and do another and expect your kids to get the 'right' message. Your marriage must be strong, thriving, and attractive if you want to raise the strongest, healthiest, most well-adjusted kids possible. And if it's not? What then? There are still things you can do to improve the situation -- whether you're st

If you've been a parent long you know that parenting often feels like a series of problems to solve. This is accurate. So it only makes sense that if you become a better problem-solver, you will become a better parent. Continuing on the theme from the last episode about how to create family stability, we explain HOW to improve your problem-solving skills -- and how to do it without damaging relationships or becoming controlling and domineering. We also explain how to PREDICT and PREVENT problems (including tantrums, meltdowns, and outbursts) -- plus how to solve them for GOOD -- to make family life even smoother and happier. Plus we'll elucidate on how and why to say 'YES' more often! And expound on specific strategies for getting what you want and need done (in the family and around the house) without nagging or making 'withdrawals' from those 'emotional bank accounts'... and instead do it in a way that actually makes 'deposits' into your relationships. Listen to this

"My kids are having a hard time adjusting to _______ (moving, traveling, homeschooling, divorce, death, etc). How can I help them?" We've received a question like this dozens of times over the years. Parents the world over wonder how they can create family stability, safety, and healing -- especially in today's mixed-up crazy world. Some claim stability comes from 'staying in one place' -- as one commenter on Instagram said, "Kids want stability, staying in one place, traditions, predictability, and the same friends." And as others have said in the past, "You're ruining your kids by traveling/moving so much." Yet if it truly were predictability and staying in one place that produced stability and well-adjusted kids, wouldn't ALL people who stayed in one place and had the same friends be well-adjusted? We know this isn't the case. Every one of us knows of a very unstable person or family who has stayed in the same place their entire life. So what is it

After nine months of traveling outside of the USA (to 17+ countries from Tromsø to Cairo), we return to take care of some things that will help us make a permanent transition to our home base in Portugal... But as usual, there are things that STAND OUT to us as we visit this country after an extended absence. In this episode, we share what those things are, and -- in the bigger picture -- why they are significant to our families, the nation, and the world as a whole. RESOURCES MENTIONED: - Wild Swans by Jung Chang - Animal Farm by George Orwell - 1984 by George Orwell - In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park - The Psychology of Totalitarianism by Mattias Desmet OTHER RESOURCES: #138 Thou Shalt Follow the Science (Dark Horse Podcast) Does History Repeat Itself? with Mattias Desmet #373 Social Justice: A Religious Movement (Jordan Peterson Podcast) #380 A Resurgence of Vision with Vivek Ramaswamy #363 Rekindling the Spirit of the Classic Democrat with Robert F. Kennedy (removed from YouTube by them for 'violat

In this episode, we philosophize (are you surprised?) about observations we've been making for the past decade or more as we've read, studied, and traveled to 50+ countries. It's kind of like putting together a puzzle. You take one piece after another and see where they fit and little by little a picture begins to emerge. In this case, the picture that's forming shows the current state of the world and the impending disasters that seem to lurk around the bend. We expound on a few of them, get angry about a few others, rant and rave a little, and then share strategies to help protect yourself and your family. We may not be able to stop the avalanche of disaster, but we can get out of the way. We also open up about our own fears in 'speaking up' or speaking out -- and the necessity for ALL of us to raise our voices. Because all that's required for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do nothing. Tools & Resources mentioned in this episode: The Gulag Archipelago by A

In this very important episode, Greg and I discuss first-hand knowledge we have about the growing industry of human trafficking. We also talk about sexual abuse, how it happens, and how to protect your kids. If you think it doesn't happen in your neighborhood, church, or community -- think again! It is a REAL threat and it is EVERYWHERE. It's happened to us, too. What actions can you take to protect your family? That's what we cover in this episode, along with WHY and HOW human trafficking has become a major world issue and what you can do to fight it. Organizations we recommend supporting: Aerial Recovery Group (the organization Greg works with) Watch this video of a recent mission: https://youtu.be/fY98pTctTHk?si=sWQkOsDqmWosgW1S Free a Girl https://www.freeagirl.us/ Fight The New Drug https://fightthenewdrug.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message

We've never told any of our 7 children there is a Santa Clause or a Tooth Fairy. That's because we always wanted to be seen as people our children can believe and trust -- NO MATTER WHAT -- especially when it comes to discerning truth in the world and discovering what is real and what is not. And while it's not just about Santa Clause, this approach of ALWAYS speaking Truth is one of the key philosophies that has helped us to raise children, teens, and young adults who truly trust, believe, and seek out our advice, even into young adulthood. It is an approach that has led them to know that we will ALWAYS be straight with them -- no matter if it's about their health, weight, looks, friends, ideas, dates, or choices. No matter what questions they have, they can come to us and get REAL answers. We won't be overly harsh, but we also won't sugarcoat things. We won't underplay the risks, but we won't exaggerate them either. We don't know all the answers, but we will share everything we do know to be true -- whet

I (Rachel) cried today. It was because of the stress and pressure and overwhelm of 'all the things' I have to get done by a looming deadline, and it was sparked by the small irritations of family life. So Greg and I do what we usually do in a situation like this -- we sat down and psychoanalyzed WHY I was crying so we could process the 'emotional stacking' to help me get back to a positive state (and then recorded this episode

After posting reels on Instagram about our most recent 6-month trip to 17 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, I've had many people ask: "How do you even BEGIN planning a trip like that?" "What was your budget for this experience?" "How do you afford it?" In this episode, we walk through our process for dreaming, envisioning, and then executing BIG goals and dreams. It's the exact process we've used again and again to travel to 50+ countries on five continents with our 7 children for the past 17 years. We explain how to pick a destination and what to book first -- without risk. We tell you when to buy the flights and where to look for accommodations. We also share our daily and monthly budget costs for traveling with a family -- now and then. If you've ever wanted to plan a BIG family adventure, then don't miss this episode! If you're not already, make sure to follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/worldschoolfamily https://instagram.com/greg.denning --- Send in a voice message: https://podcaste

"Do you have a podcast episode or advice somewhere where you talk about how you instilled a love of reading in your children? As parents love reading and have read a lot to our children when they were young. Sometimes we still do now, but no matter which book we suggest, they hate reading, and it breaks my heart." In this episode, we answer this question from a mom and share specific strategies -- and book recommendations -- for helping children of all ages learn to fall in LOVE with 'reading'. But we also clarify and define what 'reading' actually means -- identifying the outcome you're actually looking for -- and the non-traditional ways that can still be achieved in today's digital world. If your kids claim they 'hate' reading -- or you just want them to love it more and develop a life-long habit -- then this episode is for you! Resources mentioned: Greg's Booklist (with recommendations for youth) Family Charts & Systems (strategies for getting kids to

In Greg's work as a coach, he often hears something like this: "Yes I agree, but how do I talk to my spouse about that???" Sometimes we're shocked that a spouse feels like they can't bring up a topic with their 'better half' -- even if it is a sensitive one. But then we remember that we used to be there too. And in this episode, we share a personal experience about a topic that was off-limits for about a decade or more... and how we worked through it. Eventually, we got to the point where we can talk to each other about ANYTHING. And to have an extraordinary marriage, that's where you want to be. Yes, it's work. But what's the alternative? To coast on a plateau or to drift into non-communication? Learning to discuss difficult topics strengthens your marriage and your bond as a couple. Learn how to do that in this episode. Listen to our other episodes on marriage: #192 EVERYTHING In Life Gets Easier & Smoother When You Can COMMUNICATE Better. Here's How to D

Greg received an email from a friend who said, "My son needs a life coach :)" His response was, "EVERYONE needs a life coach." The stigma is that only people with problems or those who 'can't figure it out' need a life coach. But the truth is, if you want to have a truly EXTRAORDINARY life, you NEED a coach. You understand this when it comes to learning the violin or tennis -- if you want to be good you get a coach. Yet somehow too many people don't connect it when it comes to parenting, marriage, or finances. You NEED a coach in those areas of life, too. And in fact, that is the ONLY way you'll actually be GREAT in those roles -- if you get some coaching. But you have to be careful. Not all life coaches -- or therapists -- are competent to provide advice that works -- even if they are 'certified' or 'qualified'. In this episode, we dive into WHY you need coaching -- especially if you think you do NOT -- and how to determine if you should actually list

No matter if you homeschool or send your kids to public or private school, YOU are responsible for the outcomes of their education. The first step is for YOU to define what EDUCATION means to you. Is it academic learning? Grades, tests, and ACT scores? Getting into the 'best' colleges. Or is it MORE than that? Does it include their mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and financial development? If it doesn't, it should. What about experiences and exposure to people, places, and ideas? Too many people and students pursue academics at the expense of their mental, emotional, or relational development. They pursue 'book learning' at the expense of living in and experiencing the world. They develop negative sleep or eating habits in the pursuit of good grades. But this has a cost on their life as a HUMAN being -- not to mention their sense of purpose and fulfillment. If you're interested in helping your children to get an education that will benefit EVERY aspect of their youth an

This episode would not be complete without listening to these episodes as well: What Wives Need to Know About Their Husband's Sex Drives And What Men Need to Know About Themselves Sex-quel Follow-Up Episode with Rachel Denning ⁠Husbands, How to ACTUALLY Listen to Your Wives (And Why She Needs It)⁠ Masturbation & Cheap Sexual Acts are a Poor Substitute for Real Connection -- A Message for Teens & Spouses This episode was in response to a question we received: I just listened to one of your trainings and you guys mention having sex 4-7 times a week. If there is a podcast or a training on this somewhere please direct me to it. I’m a morning person and my husband is a night owl. I wake up at 4 and go to bed at 9 he wakes up at 8 and goes to bed at midnight. I have 6 kids and homeschool and do my business on the side. How do you create time to do it that many times?

Do you feel stuck? Or like you're constantly dealing with the same problems -- in your marriage, with your kids, or your finances? Does it feel like you can never 'afford it' -- no matter what it is? Or that you keep having the same health issues crop up? Do you feel like "life sucks and then you die"? Did you realize that you can PREVENT most of these problems before they happen? Most people think that when things like this arise that it's 'just life'. But our research, study, and experience have shown us that most problems in life are self-inflicted. Of course, there are things that happen to you that are outside of your control -- especially as a child. Some people are victims of abuse, tragedy, and trauma. But once you become an adult, you have the opportunity and obligation to "Pull the weeds and plant the seeds" of the things you want and don't want in your life. And you can learn to reframe the past so that it has new meaning and can become a positive fo

As part of the 28-Day Challenge we ask participants to choose one food to give up. Some choose sugar. But it’s not always easy to give it up. As one mom said: “…the sweet tooth got the best of me.  I don’t drink soda and haven’t had a donut in two years; those our out.  I don’t eat things with corn syrup, and I mostly use olive and coconut oils.  But every time I decide, no more sugar, I can almost feel my brain go into panic mode.  And it’s like a wave of dessert ideas comes in and the ability to resist seems impaired.  I want to lose weight, but it feels like Mount Everest is in front of me.  If “the obstacle is the way”, I am not sure how to proceed here.  I know that eventually I get mad enough and then I am strong enough to resist sugar for a good few months.  But I want to make it the lasting change and TRAIN my brain to love NOT getting the sugar fix.” If you’ve ever felt the desire to improve your overall health and well-being and lose weight by eliminating sugar and replacing it with healthier alte

At work, home, family life, and marriage, it’s easy to blame the circumstances of life or to say ‘That’s just the way things are’… But the reality is that we’re often participating in, perpetuating, or creating our own chaos in marriage and family life — but that means we also have the power to prevent it with intentional planning and preparation. Of course, many couples and parents think “I don’t have time to be intentional and strategic like you’re describing. Our life is so crazy busy!” But if you don’t take the time now to prepare, you’ll be FORCED to take the time later to repair. There IS a better way. You don’t need to wait until your marriage is in crisis or on the verge of divorce. There are intentional action steps you can take TODAY to make your marriage better now. And if you already have a good or great marriage, then there are intentional actions and strategic strategies you can use to make it EXTRAORDINARY.  Listen to this episode now for specific tips, strategies, and tactics we have used ours

"I'm feeling sooooo burnt out of motherhood... My kids are fighting so much. Last week we did a 'no fighting' challenge for 7 days. They did pretty well and each got a prize.This week has been a total dumpster fire. I keep circling back to me. Making sure I am good, but I'm just not. I feel so drained at the end of my day after so much fighting. Any advice?"We get it. Fighting is exhausting -- mentally, emotionally, and physically. It takes away from family and personal productivity and peace. How do we best handle it and put an end to it -- for good? And is it actually possible?In this episode, we outline the strategies we use from the Pyramid of Peace to 'help things go right' in order to prevent problems and fighting AND how to 'fix what's gone wrong' when fighting actually occurs (which is rare when you spend 80-90% of your time and energy 'helping things go right'.)We'll show you how to basically eliminate fighting in your family -- for good -- in

We received a great question from a mom which we answer in today’s episode. Just a reminder — we love receiving questions. Feel free to ask us anything by visiting podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com where you can leave us a voice or text message. This mom asked: “I have a 13-year-old daughter. She gets homework from coop  & every week it’s a battle. I remind her about her assignment- she says yes, I know… and gets mad at me every time I bring it up but then either doesn’t do it or is up late the night before it’s due. Wisdom - please!!!!” This is a challenge that all of us have faced — likely more than once — as parents. And it’s something that can be extremely irritating and draining — mentally and emotionally. So how can we reduce the battles, not just around homework, but chores and anything else our kids 'should' do — and ultimately, help our children to WANT to do the things they’re ‘supposed’ to do? Because that’s the IDEAL — not just that our kids do what we ask them to, but that they lea

This topic is one that can be sensitive so we want to handle it appropriately. As usual, the subject came up because of an activity in Greg’s online class for teens — Habits for a Successful Life — and a resulting email from a mom. (We love getting emails). The students were asked to take a self-assessment of multiple areas of their life — mental, emotional, physical, etc. As part of the physical assessment, different activities were done — holding their breath, touching their toes, counting pushups, and measuring ‘grabbable’ skin/fat on their belly. This last assessment is similar to what is done during a BMI examination (Body Mass Index test), except they measure belly, triceps, and inner thigh fat/skin. One parent was concerned that grabbing the stomach… brought “attention to this area of their body and was damaging to their confidence… As a certified personal trainer and in my training it was strongly emphasized to never ask a client to assess the health of their bodies in this manner, it creates body sha