The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast

Greg & Rachel Denning
  • 4.8 (90)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast

THE podcast for parents with big dreams who feel stuck. Let us show you how to finally break through the overwhelm, chaos, and 'survival mode' to legitimately do MORE with LESS stress and to finally achieve your biggest dreams -- even with a family. Greg and Rachel Denning are parents of 7 children whom they've traveled with to 55+ countries on 5 continents -- all while homeschooling and building a multi-six-figure location independent biz. BECOME the man, woman, spouse, and parent you need to be to create the EXTRAORDINARY life of YOUR dreams with this HOLISTIC approach that works.

  1. #292 You Can’t Get to an Extraordinary, Significant Life if You’re Stuck in the Matrix

    5 DAYS AGO

    #292 You Can’t Get to an Extraordinary, Significant Life if You’re Stuck in the Matrix

    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 children for their unique life missions. By teaching kids to navigate failure, embrace challenges, and develop self-initiative, parents can cultivate a future generation ready to thrive beyond societal expectations. This episode offers invaluable insights for parents seeking to break free from outdated systems and create an extraordinary, significant life for themselves and their children. Tune in now to learn how to empower your family to thrive in a changing world! The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions. RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!  Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ ⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠Be The Man Coaching and Tribe Download the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man app on iOS⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Android⁠⁠ Take the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message  #ExtraordinaryFamilyLifePodcast #WorldschoolFamily #RachelDenning #FormidableFamilyMen #FamilySuccess #ParentingTips #Extraordinary #BecomeABetterYou #MarriageAdvice #MarriageGoals #RaisingKids #SelfHelp #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset

    1h 57m
  2. #291 Creating Good Routines and Habits for Resistant Children (So They’re Happy Most of the Time)

    DEC 18

    #291 Creating Good Routines and Habits for Resistant Children (So They’re Happy Most of the Time)

    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, and learn how to nurture independence, responsibility, and emotional growth in your children—so they’re happy most of the time. The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions. RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!  Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ ⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠Be The Man Coaching and Tribe Download the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man app on iOS⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Android⁠⁠ Take the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message  #ExtraordinaryFamilyLifePodcast #WorldschoolFamily #RachelDenning #FormidableFamilyMen #FamilySuccess #ParentingTips #Extraordinary #BecomeABetterYou #MarriageAdvice #MarriageGoals #RaisingKids #SelfHelp #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset

    1h 32m
  3. #290 Promoting Lifelong Learning: How to Get Your Child to Practice Their Musical Instrument

    DEC 11

    #290 Promoting Lifelong Learning: How to Get Your Child to Practice Their Musical Instrument

    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 motivate kids without the constant tension.  They share insights on how to make practice more enjoyable, set realistic goals, and keep music a fun and integral part of family life. Tune in for actionable strategies to help your children thrive in their musical journey, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!  Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ ⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠Be The Man Coaching and Tribe Download the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man app on iOS⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Android⁠⁠ Take the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message  #ExtraordinaryFamilyLifePodcast #WorldschoolFamily #RachelDenning #FormidableFamilyMen #FamilySuccess #ParentingTips #Extraordinary #BecomeABetterYou #MarriageAdvice #MarriageGoals #RaisingKids #SelfHelp #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset

    43 min
  4. #289 A WARNING for Good Moms: Doing This Will Backfire!

    DEC 4

    #289 A WARNING for Good Moms: Doing This Will Backfire!

    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 healthy habits and empowers children to make their own choices. The discussion also touches on creating a safe space for children, reevaluating traditional mealtime structures, and fostering healthier relationships with food. Ultimately, this episode offers parents a fresh perspective on how to navigate the parenting journey, guiding their children without resorting to control, and fostering a harmonious, respectful family dynamic. The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions. RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!  Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ ⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠Be The Man Coaching and Tribe Download the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man app on iOS⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Android⁠⁠ Take the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message  #ExtraordinaryFamilyLifePodcast #WorldschoolFamily #RachelDenning #FormidableFamilyMen #FamilySuccess #ParentingTips #Extraordinary #BecomeABetterYou #MarriageAdvice #MarriageGoals #RaisingKids #SelfHelp #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset

    1h 21m
  5. #288 Toujours Prét: How and Why to Be “Always Ready” (a Recap of the Portugal Training)

    NOV 27

    #288 Toujours Prét: How and Why to Be “Always Ready” (a Recap of the Portugal Training)

    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 Resort in Portugal, where you’ll experience a transformative week of learning, growth, and connection. Whether you're looking to enhance your preparedness, strengthen your relationships, or invest in personal development, this episode will inspire you to embrace lifelong learning as a tool for becoming an asset for your family and community. Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions. RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!  Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ ⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠Be The Man Coaching and Tribe Download the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man app on iOS⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Android⁠⁠ Take the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message

    43 min
  6. #287 How to Help Manage Device/Phone Use for Older Teens & Young Adults

    NOV 20

    #287 How to Help Manage Device/Phone Use for Older Teens & Young Adults

    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 boundaries for older teens? We want to give her more freedom but are struggling to see her disconnect from life as she used to.” Rachel and Greg share their personal experiences, offering tips on how to set tech boundaries that encourage freedom without sacrificing connection or personal growth. They discuss the impact of screen time on development, the importance of modeling healthy behaviors, and the need for families to view technology as a tool—not a toy. Tune in for actionable strategies to help your teens build a healthier relationship with their devices and rediscover meaningful offline connections. The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions. RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!  Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ ⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠Be The Man Coaching and Tribe Download the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man app on iOS⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Android⁠⁠ Take the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message  #ExtraordinaryFamilyLifePodcast #WorldschoolFamily #RachelDenning #FormidableFamilyMen #FamilySuccess #ParentingTips #Extraordinary #BecomeABetterYou #MarriageAdvice #MarriageGoals #RaisingKids #SelfHelp #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset

    1h 10m
  7. #286 Attain Highly, Sacrifice Greatly: Here’s What We’ve Sacrificed to Create an Extraordinary Family Life

    NOV 13

    #286 Attain Highly, Sacrifice Greatly: Here’s What We’ve Sacrificed to Create an Extraordinary Family Life

    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 fear of loss when making sacrifices for something greater. If you’re struggling to take the leap toward something bigger in your life, don’t miss this episode! Tune in to learn how embracing sacrifice can help you live the extraordinary life you’ve always dreamed of. Ready to sacrifice greatly in order to attain highly? Share your thoughts and experiences with us --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message  The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions. RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!  Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ ⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠Be The Man Coaching and Tribe Download the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man app on iOS⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Android⁠⁠ Take the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message #ExtraordinaryFamilyLifePodcast #WorldschoolFamily #RachelDenning #FormidableFamilyMen #Extraordinary #BecomeABetterYou #MarriageAdvice #MarriageGoals #RaisingKids #SelfHelp #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #JamesAllen #SacrificeGreatly #SelfImprovements

    52 min
  8. #285 Proactive Parenting: How to Raise Kids Who Grow Into Amazing, Responsible Teens You Want to Be With (& Who Want to Be With You)

    NOV 6

    #285 Proactive Parenting: How to Raise Kids Who Grow Into Amazing, Responsible Teens You Want to Be With (& Who Want to Be With You)

    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 challenges, and how persuasion—not control—is the most effective way to encourage children to take responsibility. Whether you’re in the trenches with young children or preparing for the teen years, this episode provides actionable strategies for creating a nurturing, supportive home environment. Tune in for these valuable proactive parenting tips and discover how to cultivate a family dynamic where your kids grow, thrive, and maintain a strong, loving connection with you—now and throughout their teenage years. RESOURCES: Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey. JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!  Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ ⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠ Join the ⁠⁠Be The Man Coaching and Tribe Download the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man app on iOS⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Android⁠⁠ Take the ⁠⁠⁠Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠ Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message #ExtraordinaryFamilyLifePodcast #WorldschoolFamily #RachelDenning #FormidableFamilyMen #FamilySuccess #ParentingTips #Extraordinary #BecomeABetterYou #MarriageAdvice #MarriageGoals #RaisingKids #SelfHelp #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset

    1h 19m
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4.8
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

THE podcast for parents with big dreams who feel stuck. Let us show you how to finally break through the overwhelm, chaos, and 'survival mode' to legitimately do MORE with LESS stress and to finally achieve your biggest dreams -- even with a family. Greg and Rachel Denning are parents of 7 children whom they've traveled with to 55+ countries on 5 continents -- all while homeschooling and building a multi-six-figure location independent biz. BECOME the man, woman, spouse, and parent you need to be to create the EXTRAORDINARY life of YOUR dreams with this HOLISTIC approach that works.

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