The Intentional Family

Rachel makes the case that a resilient family isn't built in the emergency; it's built in the years of small, mundane delegation before it, using her own case of being bedridden as proof. Chore System PDF

Rachel explores why practice —not perfection —is the healthier way to live, making room for mistakes, grace, and growth instead of guilt. Intentional Family #168: What My Broken Leg Taught Me Intentional Family #169: When Life Hands You Lemons

In this episode, Rachel unpacks what her broken leg exposed beneath the busyness — a need for control and the slow discovery that rest doesn't have to be earned. Intentional Family #168: When Life Hands You Lemons Classical Conversations Sit, Walk, Stand by Watchman Nee

Rachel shares how breaking her leg three days before her back-to-school picnic proved that planning wasn't just for her — it's what allowed her community to carry on the vision when she couldn't. Mike’s newsletter

You'll fill your car’s gas tank before it hits E. Would you do the same for yourself? Rachel shares what her vehicle taught her about the warning signs she'd been ignoring — and what changed when she stopped waiting for low gas warning light. Atomic Habits by James Clear

In this episode, Rachel shares how choosing prayer and relationship over the internet has shaped her parenting for 18 years — and how that same choice helped a fearful new mom find peace.

Rachel shares the uncomfortable conversation that made her quit social media in 2018 — and why she's now considering going back, on her own terms. Gen Z is the Loneliest Generation Tate Butts Instagram Tate Butts TikTok The Social Dilemma Classical Conversations

In this episode, Rachel shares three ordinary moments that taught her a hard but valuable lesson: asking for help is humility. Doing it all alone is pride.

Two overlapping commitments. Five months of exhaustion. And answers that kept showing up the night before. In this episode, Rachel shares what she learned about trust, provision, and why it's never too late to turn things around. My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers Classical Conversations

Rachel tells a personal story about paying attention to what lights your kids up and shares how quietly leaning in at the right opportunities can help your child discover their gifts and talents. Young Writer’s Workshop Young Writer’s Retreat Story Cubes

This one's for the dads — and the moms who love them. In this episode, Rachel pulls back the curtain on something she's watched her husband Mike do consistently in their home: show up for each of their kids one-on-one, ask great questions, and build a relational foundation that no amount of providing or lecturing could replace.

AI is here to stay. In this episode, Mike and Rachel explain how to approach AI with your children and practical steps to take in training them to use it appropriately. Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick Craft + Commerce conference ChatGPT’s Impact on Our Brains Mike’s Book Notes Page Mike Schmitz Reads Mike’s Book Notes Workflow Video Bookworm podcast Create Your Ideal Week Template AI with Allie

The internet is full of information but empty of wisdom — and Titus 2 has a 2,000-year-old solution to that problem.

Your family doesn't want variety — they want to know Tuesday means tacos. In this episode, Rachel shares a simple system that makes meal planning effortless. Classical Conversations Intentional Family Feedback Form

What if your most chaotic parenting days aren't derailing your future, but actually fulfilling it? In this episode, Rachel shares how to find purpose in the midst of dirty dishes and bedtime battles. Feedback form

In this episode, Rachel shares the books that made the cross-country family road trip a delight. Intentional Family Feedback Form Little House Series The Unexpected Journals of Emma M. Lion The Fellowship of the Ring The Two Towers The Return of the King Anne of Green Gables Elephant and Piggie

Rachel shares how to model faith, establish screen boundaries, and cultivate gratitude in ways that actually stick as children learn more from watching our daily habits than listening to our parenting lectures.

Rachel shares the simple, sanity-saving routines that help her family trade daily chaos for calm — because peace doesn’t just happen, it’s built (usually the night before). Atomic Habits by James Clear Skylight Family Calendar Classical Conversations

Rachel invites listeners to slow down and live courageously today. Everyday Courage by John Bevere Webster’s Dictionary 1828 William Wilberforce

Rachel shares her perspective on intentional hat wearing to help avoid being unfocused, frantic, and stuck. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Classical Conversations Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

Rachel & Mike share the inspiration behind their 2026 words for the year. Intentional Family #150: Christmas Book Flood Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Red Rising by Pierce Brown Ghost Town Living by Brent Underwood War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Personal Retreat Planner Mike’s Personal Retreat Video NeuYear Focused Calendar Classical Conversations Mike’s website

Rachel shares how Icelanders turned giving and reading books at Christmas into a cozy national pastime, and how families today can continue the Christmas book flood tradition. Bookworm Read-Aloud Revival Jolabokaflod Close Reads podcast Ready Player One by Ernest Cline A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens The Lightning Thief by Percy Jackson The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien The Wingfeather Sa...

Rachel shares a simple yet profound message about staying connected and abiding in the vine. The True Vine by Andrew Murray Operation Christmas Child

Rachel discusses the importance of identifying personal weaknesses and building a strong support system to compensate through delegation. Classical Conversations

Rachel explores how intentional activities outside the classroom can help build character, leadership, creativity, and resilience.