School Of Awesome Sauce With Greg Denning

Do you ever feel so overwhelmed by a big goal that you back away and settle for “safe”?Here’s the truth: in order to succeed, you have to fail more. And you’ll have problems either way—so why not live an awesome life? In this episode, Rachel & Greg break down the mindset and method they’ve used for 23+ years to make bold decisions, face fear, and move forward even when it’s scary.You’ll learn how to:Flip fear from a stop sign into a signal you’re on the right pathUse the “exchange rate” test to decide if a dream is worth the priceShrink overwhelm with step-by-step moves (exposure in bite-sized reps)See how obstacles transform you into the person who can live your dreamAdopt the mantra: “I’ll either find a way—or I’ll make one.”Bottom line: your fears aren’t facts. When you face them strategically, the “impossible” becomes doable—and your life expands.Key Takeaways✅ Overwhelm means growth is near, not that you should quit.✅ Problems are guaranteed; choose the ones that lead to an extraordinary life.✅ Expos

Why are so many teens today collapsing under ordinary challenges?Things seem hard because we are soft. After decades of comfort, convenience, and ease, too many kids haven’t been forged by healthy discomfort—so everyday life feels overwhelming.In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning reveal why today’s teens are unprepared to launch—and how parents can strategically build resilience, grit, and holistic toughness without becoming harsh or hard-hearted.Key Takeaways:✅ Use micro doses of discomfort—workouts, cold showers, chores, social reps—to build daily resilience✅ Plan macro doses of challenge—travel, service, treks, adventures—to forge lasting grit✅ Avoid raising “squishy kids” who collapse under stress, rejection, or discomfort✅ Teach kids emotional strength and sensitivity without raising entitled adults✅ Prepare your children to handle setbacks, stress, and even crisis with courageBottom line: If you don’t add challenge, the world will—and it won’t be gentle. Parents must be deliberate about raising stro

Do you ever tell yourself you’re just being “content” or “grateful”—when in reality you’re actually settling for less than the life you truly want?In this powerful episode, Greg & Rachel Denning pull back the curtain on how false contentment quietly keeps parents stuck in unhappy routines—and why so many families end up living what they call an unhappy dream.You’ll discover why true happiness doesn’t come from removing desire, but from pursuing your best desires—and how embracing what we call “divine discontent” is the real catalyst for growth, joy, and lasting fulfillment.Instead of numbing out with distractions or convincing yourself you “should just be grateful,” you’ll learn how to: - Raise your standards and stop tolerating mediocrity in your health, marriage, parenting, and personal growth- Recognize the difference between gratitude and complacency—and why confusing the two keeps you stuck- Do the inner work first so you can become the kind of parent and leader your kids want to follow- Pursue chall

Do you feel like your spouse won’t change—no matter what you try?Have you been tolerating non-improvement and calling it “keeping the peace”?In this episode, Greg & Rachel Denning share a practical blueprint for creating real change in marriage—without nagging, power struggles, or giving ultimatums. You’ll learn how to earn influence (instead of demanding it), build psychological safety so growth is possible, and use pattern interrupts to break the same old fights.They unpack why couples stall out—no shared vision, unresolved wounds, holes in the relationship “bucket,” and mixed signals that make one spouse armor up. You’ll get specific tools to create safety, raise standards, and stop tolerating non-improvement—so your marriage actually gets better month by month.What we cover:- Why “it’s okay to be wounded—but not to stay wounded.”- How to earn your spouse’s attention & respect (and keep it).- Pattern interrupts that disarm conflict and reset connection.- The Bucket Test: plug the leaks killing moti

Are you worried about your kids rebelling as teenagers?Do you ever wonder if your parenting style today is planting the seeds of future rebellion—or resilience?In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning tackle the controversial connection between “restaurant parenting” and teenage rebellion. They share why forcing your children to “behave perfectly” in public often backfires, and how double standards in parenting create resentment and distance that can last for decades.Instead, they reveal a better way: building congruence, fostering autonomy, and meeting your child’s deepest needs for love, certainty, identity, and adventure. When you allow children to “act their age,” explain the why behind rules, and respect their growing independence, you prevent destructive rebellion and instead raise courageous, confident adults.This powerful conversation explores:Why unmet needs lead to rebellion (and how to meet them early)The difference between healthy vs. unhealthy rebellionHow giving your kids autonomy strengthens re

Are you worried about how porn might be impacting your teen—or afraid to even bring up the conversation?Studies show that up to 90% of boys and young men are consuming porn, often starting as young as eight years old. And the truth is, it’s not harmless. Porn rewires the brain, damages real-life relationships, distorts healthy sexuality, and fuels depression, anxiety, and disconnection.In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning break down the science, psychology, and social impact of porn use—and why parents must step up with courage, clarity, and compassion.We’ll explore:

Is your teen struggling with anxiety, depression, or just staying motivated to get out of bed in the morning?Do you sometimes feel helpless watching them drift, while wishing you could guide them without controlling them?In this heartfelt conversation, we dive deep into the real reasons teens check out emotionally and mentally—and what you can do as a parent to help.From the science-backed truth that positive habits are the foundation of mental health to powerful strategies like state changes, pattern interrupts, and building strong parent-child connections, we share the tools that actually work.Whether your child is just entering the teen years or already struggling with disconnection, you’ll walk away with clarity, hope, and practical steps to help your son or daughter thrive.Key Takeaways:✅ Why sleeping in and lack of motivation are symptoms of deeper issues✅ How to use positive habits to fight anxiety, depression, and hopelessness✅ Why prevention is easier than repair (and what to do if you’re already in

Do you ever feel like you have a "million dreams and not enough time" to chase them all? As a parent, the challenge is even greater—you want financial freedom, family adventures, strong relationships, better health, and so much more. But where do you even start?In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning share their 5-step process for choosing which dreams matter most right now. They reveal how to prioritize goals without sacrificing what matters most—your marriage, your kids, your health, and your peace of mind.Key Takeaways:✅ Write down and prioritize ALL your dreams✅ Balance ambition with family life✅ Follow intuition and interests as guideposts✅ Use urgency, energy, and alignment filters to choose what to pursue✅ Avoid the trap of sacrificing relationships for successWhether you dream of traveling the world, building a business, or creating a family legacy, this episode will help you gain clarity, simplify your focus, and start moving forward today.If you’ve ever asked, “Where do I start?”—this is

Are your teen’s habits building the future they want — or holding them back?Most parents focus on grades, test scores, and academic achievements, but the truth is… habits determine everything. From sleep to self-talk, from what we eat to how we think, our daily habits are literally the building blocks of our lives.In this episode, we share the foundational habits every teen should develop to create a life of happiness, success, and purpose — and why these skills are rarely taught in schools. You’ll learn practical ways to help your teen replace destructive habits with empowering ones, create positive associations, and build a lifelong foundation for health, confidence, and achievement.Whether you’re parenting a teenager now or preparing for the years ahead, this conversation will help you guide them toward a future they’ll thank you for.

Are you tired of repeating yourself over and over, just to get your teen to do the simplest chores?Does it feel like every request turns into a negotiation—or worse, an argument?In this episode, we’re revealing exactly how to get your teen to take responsibility for chores—without nagging, yelling, or bribing. As parents of seven, we’ve tested countless strategies, and this one works because it’s built on privilege-based accountability—not power struggles.We’ll show you how to replace daily battles with a clear system that motivates teens to follow through. You’ll learn how to connect privileges (like screen time, outings, or car use) to personal responsibility, so your teen begins to self-manage—willingly.We’ll also share why maintaining a strong relationship is essential to cooperation, and how the right approach can actually bring you closer to your teen while also building lifelong habits of responsibility.If you’re ready to turn chore time from chaos to calm, this conversation will show you exactly how.

Are you tired of parenting by force, only to watch results fade?Did you know that long-term influence usually starts with emotional deposits—not immediate obedience?In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning sit down with friends to unpack the parenting strategy that transformed their home: choosing strategic empathy, trust-building, and persuasion over force and control.We dive into:Why influence matters more than obedienceHow to make daily emotional deposits that pay off laterTactful, creative strategies instead of reactionary disciplineThe subtle power of modeling—not manipulatingWhether you're in the parenting trenches or preparing for the teenage years ahead, this episode gives you tools to do the hard work once, so trust — not threats — becomes your default.Tune in if you’re ready to raise thinking, self-directed children who WANT to do what's right—without prompting or power struggles.Key Takeaways✅ Influence beats force in the long run✅ Emotional deposits build trust and cooperation✅ Persuasion

Are you frustrated watching your teen scroll endlessly… while the real world slips away?In this episode, we tackle the tension parents feel when teen phones take over life, relationships, and mental health and how to reclaim connection when technology feels endless.We unpack the essential shift from limiting screen time to cultivating habits that outlast it. We'll show you how to:Instill the mindset: "a phone is a tool—not a toy"Help your teen build daily rhythms that out compete the scrollCreate a family vision so compelling screens become secondaryModel self-discipline and transparency as the path to influenceWe also explain how this connects to our online class, Habits for a Successful Life, designed to teach teens how to manage attention, focus, and real‑world leadership—not just entertainment.If you’re ready to move from discipline battles to habit building, tune in now to learn how to build a household culture where vision wins over distraction—and phones serve purpose, not rule life.Key T

Are you pushing your kids to get a job because you think it will teach them hard work and responsibility?You might want to rethink that strategy.In this game-changing episode, we challenge the traditional mindset that getting a job is the best way to teach kids responsibility or financial sense. Instead, we lay out a powerful case for raising children to think like entrepreneurs, not employees.We share how we've raised our own 7 children to develop grit, work ethic, and real-world resilience—without relying on traditional jobs or minimum wage work. From modeling hard things like summiting Mount Kilimanjaro to investing in books, mentorship, and business attempts, our goal is to teach ownership, not just obedience.We also address how to create an extraordinary family life by building a home culture of learning, experimentation, and high standards for personal growth. Plus, we dive into why financial education and risk-taking matter more than ever—and how using debt wisely is a skill, not a sin.If you'r

Are you noticing your teen struggling to move forward—still living at home, lacking motivation, or avoiding responsibility?Did you know failure to launch syndrome is becoming a silent epidemic, with many young adults unable to transition into independent, thriving adults?In this episode, Rachel and Greg unpack what failure to launch looks like, why it's happening—and most importantly—what you can do now to guide your child toward adult independence. Drawing on years of experience working with youth and young adults, they explore the common warning signs (low persistence, entitlement, lack of life skills) and reveal the actionable strategies that prevent the downward spiral before it’s too late.This candid conversation is filled with practical advice: how to instill responsibility, help your child set meaningful goals, face challenges, and develop emotional maturity. Whether you're parenting a toddler or a teen, this episode equips you with tools to help your children not just survive—but truly launch

Are you frustrated by constant discipline battles with your kids? Do you feel like no matter what you try, the misbehavior just won’t stop?What if the key to ending discipline problems isn’t about punishments or timeouts — but about becoming a truly effective parent and mentor?In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning reveal why most parenting struggles come down to what you are doing — or not doing — as a parent. They share why discipline problems aren’t really about your kids but about parenting skills and trust-building.You’ll learn the powerful mindset shift that parenting is a specific skill you can learn and improve — just like tennis — and how building a foundation of trust prevents most discipline issues before they start.Discover how to stop draining your child’s emotional bank account and start making deposits of love, attention, and understanding. This episode is packed with real-life insights and encouragement for parents ready to enjoy parenting and raise well-adjusted, confident kids.If you’re re

Does your teen complain that they feel “controlled,” “left out,” or “different” from their friends because of your family’s standards?Are you worried that your rules might push them into rebellion—or cause them to resent you?In this candid conversation, we break down exactly how to hold high standards without creating resentment, rebellion, or emotional distance.We’ll teach you how to stop parenting from the couch, stop obsessing over control, and start using CONVICTION to convince your kids to OWN the highest standards for themselves.When kids feel like they’re missing out — screens, video games, or anything — it usually means we as parents need to create a family culture that is more fun, more adventurous, and more rewarding than the alternatives.In this episode, we share practical ways to help your kids understand the why behind your high standards — and how to make your life—and your family’s life—so attractive and meaningful that your kids want to choose those standards for themselves.Key Takeaways:✅ How

Are you constantly battling with your child over decisions—like what they wear, eat, or how they spend their time? Do you worry they’ll make bad choices if you give them too much freedom?In this candid conversation, we break down the art and science of teaching kids how to make their own decisions—while still keeping them safe, supported, and connected to you.The goal of parenting isn’t to control your child’s every move; it’s to teach them how to think, how to choose, and how to handle the natural consequences of their decisions. But how do you do that without letting them fall off the proverbial cliff?In this episode, we reveal exactly how to balance freedom with boundaries, so your child can develop real-life decision-making skills without damaging your relationship in the process.Whether you’re raising toddlers or teens, this episode will help you shift from a control-based parenting model to one focused on agency, connection, and life skills development.Key Takeaways:✅ Why letting kids make mistakes earl

Are you worried you’re “not spiritual enough” to lead your kids in faith? Do you wonder if you’ve messed up too much to guide them in hearing God’s voice?The truth is—you don’t have to be perfect to raise spiritually confident kids.In this interview episode with Jen from Java With Jen, we have a candid conversation about hearing God's voice as a family—and why perfection is NOT a requirement for spiritual growth. We share how to create a home where prayer, repentance, and connection with God become normal everyday practices—even when you're still working through your own struggles.We also talk about why the attack on families is so fierce right now—and why raising spiritually resilient kids is the key to protecting them from today’s cultural confusion and overwhelm.You’ll discover how small habits like honesty, humility, and quick repentance clear the “airways” so you (and your kids) can hear God’s guidance more clearly.If you're ready to build a family culture of faith without the pressure of per

Are you living life on your terms—or just checking the boxes of what you're “supposed” to do?Do you feel like you’re sacrificing your family life balance just to keep up with society’s expectations?In this episode, we unpack the bold decisions we made to opt out of the “normal” path—traditional jobs, mainstream schooling, and cultural pressure—and how those sacrifices led to a stronger, happier, and more united family.We’re not promoting selfishness. We’re advocating for intentionality. For living deliberately. For creating a family culture that nurtures emotional health, purpose, and joy.We talk about the hard choices, the personal growth it required, the sacrifices we made—and why we’d make them all over again.Whether you’re a parent wondering if there’s another way… or already on the path of designing your own extraordinary life… this episode will inspire you to ask better questions and bravely pursue the life you really want.

Is your husband avoiding intimacy... and you don't know why?In this raw and unfiltered conversation, we unpack four brutally honest reasons your husband may not want sex — and what it means for your marriage.Many wives silently wonder: "Why doesn't my husband want me anymore?" Whether you're emotionally connected (or not) but sexually distant, it can feel devastating. But the truth is, low libido in men is rarely just about sex. Often, it’s a symptom of deeper issues—and understanding those issues is the first step toward rebuilding connection and passion.We discuss:How processed food is reducing libido in men and womenHow porn addiction secretly destroys sexual desire in marriage and creates SAD (sexual arousal dysfunction)Why adultery (emotional or physical) leads to disconnectionThe painful truth about emotional rejection and naggingWhat you may unknowingly be doing to repel your husband sexuallyWhy physical, emotional, and attitudinal attractiveness matter in marriageHow to reignite