259 episodes
The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast Greg & Rachel Denning
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- Kids & Family
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4.9 • 83 Ratings
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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 50+ 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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#258 How to Prevent & Manage Overwhelm as a Parent of Young Kids, While Pursuing BIG Dreams & Goals
"Thanks for this episode. I wanted to get in touch to ask if you could share any advice for when your kids were younger and babies?
I run a food business and recently had my first baby. I am struggling to manage the disparity between my big ambitions for my life and my reality. I want to be more capable... I want to take my business to the next level (which includes raising investment) I want to keep exercising and doing my favourite sports, I hate that my home is not organised and there is clutter around.
I just don't know how to achieve all of this as I can't seem to find the time or the energy. Right now my partner is at home full time (looking for work) and is incredibly helpful both in the home and in caring for our daughter. But still I am not able to balance all of these things!
The two that have slipped back are exercising and my home not being in great order and I'm barely keeping up at work.
I sometimes would love to have a big family and you have really inspired me that this is possible (I have always thought about adoption) but then sometimes I think I can't even manage with one, how could I possibly manage more kids?
I'd truly appreciate it if you could share any advice or discuss this on a podcast as there are so many young mums today struggling to manage the demands of modern day life, juggling work with younger kids and babies."
If you are a mother (or father) of young children and often feel in overwhelm, then you need this episode -- especially if you are ambitious (like we are) and find yourself frustrated by your 'slow' progress as you pursue your dreams.
We've been there! Listen to discover the strategies we've used to prevent and manage overwhelm and to accomplish WAY more than we ever thought possible.
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your growth journey.
Download the Be The Man app on iOS or Android
Take the Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the 28-Day Challenge for Moms
Join the Be The Man Coaching & Tribe
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Greg's Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message -
#257 Practicalities of Travel as a Family, Budget Saving Tips, + How to Worldschool (No Matter Your Schooling Choice)
"I'm writing to tell you both what an inspiration you've been to me over the last year! I've listened to almost all your podcasts and am working my way through the family systems and charts course. All your information is clear and practical, and it's made a huge difference in my level of overwhelm and what our family has been able to accomplish.
My husband and I are taking our kids (age 13 & 11) to Europe for 3 months this August, and I was wondering if you would have any tips for travelling with teens and tweens. I'm curious about:
How to find social opportunities and meet other families while travelling. I would love our kids to get out of the bubble of our small town and meet kids around the world!
Any budgeting ideas for travelling Europe?
Our kids are not homeschooled but I want to use this trip as an experiment in worldschooling/ homeschooling that we might continue when we get home. Any tips on introducing older kids to homeschooling would be appreciated.
Would love to hear you speak more about the practicalities of travelling with a family!"
Whether you plan to go to Europe for 3 months, or to take a day trip to a local town or the state next door, this episode is packed with practical and useful tips for making the most of your 'travel' experiences as a family.
Listen now!
And make sure to visit us at our new World School Family Resort in southern Portugal!
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your growth journey.
Download the Be The Man app on iOS or Android
Take the Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the 28-Day Challenge for Moms
Join the Be The Man Coaching & Tribe
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Greg's Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message -
#256 How to Become More CAPABLE So You Can Do The Work to Achieve Your Extraordinary Life, Marriage & Family
As a follow-up question to a recent episode about helping your spouse 'show up' or invest in your extraordinary life, we were asked:
"I love listening to your podcast. I'm a stay-at-home mom of four and I homeschool. I really wish I could live a little more extraordinarily as your family does, but alas, I have a spouse (who I of course love!) that doesn't feel the same. I desperately want to travel, but he doesn't. I long to do things a different way, but he doesn't. I like to read and listen to podcasts and all the like, but he doesn't.
But honestly, my real question here was about myself. You said something on your recent episode that hit me where it hurts. It was about how much hard work it is (an extraordinary lifestyle) and how it's kind of laughable to you now what you used to consider 'hard work'. I'm slightly ashamed to admit this but I can't seem to handle much. I want to be a hard worker, but it seems like other people are able to handle so much more than me.
I'm an introvert who is sadly socially awkward, needs lots of reflection time, and has never been encouraged or supported. I've never felt capable of much of anything. I want different for myself and definitely don't want my kids in this same boat!!
What is your advice for increasing my capacity to be able to handle more? Especially without any encouragement or support. I want better! I just don't know how to get there."
This is a FANTASTIC question and something we totally relate to as a former introverted, 'weak', shy, socially awkward girl or boy who never imagined that we would be coaching, hosting a podcast, or traveling the world with our seven children.
Listen to this episode to learn how we were able to overcome these 'limiting factors' that kept us from living a more extraordinary life. Discover how we built a foundation of positive habits using clarity, focus, and prevention so that we can direct more of our energy toward achieving the life of our dreams instead of existing in survival mode.
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your growth journey.
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the 28-Day Challenge for Moms
Download the Be The Man app on iOS or Android
Take the Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.
Join the Be The Man Coaching & Tribe
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Greg's Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message -
#255 Stop Calling it 'ADHD' -- It's NOT a Disorder, It's Normal
This much-needed episode addresses something we've been concerned about, thinking about, and researching for years regarding ADHD/ADD in adults and children.
Based on our own experience (having at least 3 kids with ADHD, and at least one of us -- Greg 😁) and experience gained by working with thousands of clients -- plus the added perspective of traveling to 50+ countries which provides a look at the way people do things around the world -- we share some unique and paradigm-shifting perspectives on ADHD and what it means for parents, children and families.
We talk about 'labels', diagnoses, 'drugs' and medication, disorders, hunters vs. gatherers' brains and so much more -- in fact, we may end up killing some of your 'sacred cows'.
Of course, we're not doctors and have no letters after our name so we obviously don't know anything. But this will be a fascinating listen nonetheless.
Listen to this episode now!
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your growth journey.
Download the Be The Man app on iOS or Android
Take the Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.
FINALLY get organized with Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the 28-Day Challenge for Moms
Join the Be The Man Coaching & Tribe
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Greg's Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message -
#254 What to Do When Your Spouse is Not 'Showing Up' or Investing in Your Extraordinary Marriage/Life
In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning answer this question:
"Wondering if you have advice for someone who has been trying to pour everything into life/marriage to make it extraordinary but the spouse is not showing up and 'being the man' as Greg has defined. If they try, they relapse or it seems like the bare minimum is done. It has been years of this and it feels like it’s holding us back from an extraordinary life. Wondering your thoughts on handling situations like that when it feels like you have tried everything and given it time."
The truth is an extraordinary marriage requires work. But Greg and Rachel Denning tackle the all too common dilemma: what to do when one spouse is giving their all to make their marriage extraordinary, but the other isn't stepping up.
They delve into the essence of a thriving marriage, emphasizing the power of daily choices and the need for 'extraordinary' effort (and why 'good' is not good enough).
Greg and Rachel stress the importance of utilizing the right tools (in the right way) even if you've 'tried everything' -- and persisting through challenges.
They explain the issue of 'collusion' and destructive, self-sabotaging patterns in relationships and explain how to break free from them.
Rachel highlights the significance of personal accountability and understanding the differences between men and women -- men need respect and women need to feel cherished -- for fostering a healthy partnership.
They urge spouses to 'bring the tide' and become agents of change in their relationships through self-improvement, emphasizing the effect 'bringing the tide' can have on spouses.
Offering practical advice, the Dennings present a roadmap for enhancing marriages even if you're the 'only one' -- with a warning against heeding misguided counsel (like Ruby Franke).
Key Takeaways:
Marriage requires continuous effort and dedication.
Small choices yield significant results over time.
Extraordinary effort is indispensable for exceptional outcomes -- but it's easier than it sounds.
Utilize the right tools and continuously expand your skill set.
Break free from destructive relationship cycles (collusion) by taking responsibility.
Understand and adapt to gender differences for a harmonious relationship.
Personal growth can inspire positive changes in your partner.
Consistency and unwavering commitment are crucial for marital improvement.
Timestamps:
00:00 Marriage is Tough
03:00 The Two Paths in Life
06:23 Exponential Results of Small Choices
10:07 The Need for Extraordinary Effort
13:15 Importance of the Right Tools
22:21 Being the Change in Your Marriage
27:22 Breaking the Cycle of Destruction
29:43 Understanding Differences Between Men and Women
31:59 Inspiring Change in Your Spouse
32:58 Taking Responsibility
39:16 Becoming a Catalyst for Change
45:32 Formula for Improving Your Marriage
50:22 Urgency of Making Changes
53:45The Dangers of Listening to the Wrong Advice
57:29 Consistency and Obsession
RESOURCES:
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Greg's Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth
The Empowered Wife by Laura Doyle
Let us help you in your growth journey.
Download the Be The Man app on iOS or Android
Take the Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.
Join the 28-Day Challenge for Moms
Join the Be The Man Coaching & Tribe
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message -
#253 Sex IS a NEED for an Extraordinary Marriage
On Instagram, I saw a reel that stated "Myth: Sex is a need. Fact: Sex is a desire, not a need."
"All of us can live without sex; we cannot live without water, food, or belonging."
I had to disagree and responded: "It depends on how you define 'need'. For survival, no. For connection, bonding, and love -- yes, it's a need. Can you imagine if you're husband said, "You don't NEED me to talk to you. It's just a desire' and then went days, weeks, or months without talking because it's not a 'need'? You would feel pretty neglected. So if you want an extraordinary relationship then sex -- and talking -- are NEEDS.'
While the argument may be true that 'needs' are ONLY things that we can't live without -- water, food, belonging -- it's inaccurate when we're talking about the surviving -- not to mention the THRIVING -- of our marriage relationship.
Yes, people can live without sex. And talking. But an extraordinary marriage cannot.
Of course, there are extremes when sex in marriage is not an option (injury, postpartum, old age). But we're not talking about those rare instances. We're talking about marriages where couples CAN have sex but are NOT having it.
And I get it. As a woman who once *hoped* to find evidence that would convince my husband we never had to have sex again, I know how relieving it can be to believe that his need for sex is not real or is some how wrong or unrealistic.
But it's just not true. Men (and women) want and need intimacy, but for some (usually men) their deepest intimacy takes the form of sex. And that's OK! And when you learn to use both sex and communication together they create an eternal circle of connection between spouses.
Listen to this episode now so you can begin to see sex as an OPPORTUNITY for connection, not a burden or obligation. When you have this paradigm shift then everything changes. And you finally discover the key to building the relationship you've always wanted.
This topic is further expounded on with these episodes:
#148 What Wives Need to Know about Husbands' (Sex Drive) and What Men Need to Understand about Themselves
#150 The Sex-quel. Follow-up Sex Episode with Rachel Denning
#151 What Husbands NEED to Know About their Wives
#224 How (& WHY) to Have Sex 3-6 Times a Week EVEN with Kids, Businesses, Homeschool, Jobs, Activities, and More
Masturbation & Cheap Sexual Acts are a Poor Substitute for Real Connection
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your growth journey.
Download the Be The Man app on iOS or Android
Take the Be The Man 7-Day Challenge.
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the 28-Day Challenge for Moms
Join the Be The Man Coaching & Tribe
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Greg's Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extraordinary-family-life/message
Customer Reviews
One of my VERY favorite podcasts
I’ve been a part of Greg and Rachel’s group coaching in the past, and it’s top notch. Having them available on this podcast is invaluable. I LOVE their brutal honesty. There’s tough love but real answers here. They have compassion and share their failures and admit to struggles - they are not just Instagram perfect people. I respect and appreciate the humility they show by sharing what’s behind those Instagram perfect pictures. Buckle up, because it’s time to grow up and reach upward!
Wishing for improved audio quality only
Love this podcast. Thought provoking and very helpful. Only complaint I have is about the audio quality. I can only listen in my car and the audio sounds like I am listening to two people talking on a speaker phone where one person is louder than the other. I have to have my speakers turned all the way up and even then I don’t catch every word. Also the intro music is much louder than the dialogue so if I forget to turn my speakers down it is very startling. Hope this improves but I will keep listening. Thanks for all that you do guys!
The podcast changed everything
I podcast has become THE podcast I listen to. The wisdom and truth of the principles taught keep me coming back for more and more. I save and favorite almost every episode. I am so grateful for the work the Denning family is doing and how they exemplify what they teach. You can’t listen to this one without getting fired up and inspired to overhaul and optimize your life. I HIGHLY recommend this podcast to anyone and everyone! I am so, so grateful I found it! It has been a godsend for me and my family.
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