The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast

Are you constantly feeling overwhelmed, irritated, or like you’re just going through the motions of family life? Do you wish you could feel more joy, peace, and connection — but don’t know how to actually get there in the midst of chores, tantrums, and to-do lists? In this episode, we share how to actually enjoy family life —even when it’s hard, boring, or chaotic. We explore how being presen t— t...

Are the men in your home grumpy, disconnected, or hard to reach emotionally? Do you ever feel like there's a quiet tension simmering under the surface of your marriage? In this raw and honest conversation, we dive into how unmet sexual needs (and/or porn usage) —and a lack of emotional and physical connection— are contributing to frustration, moodiness, and even disconnection in marriage and famil...

Are you tired of feeling stuck in the same frustrating patterns of family conflict? Do small arguments keep escalating, leaving you drained, defeated, or disconnected? In this empowering episode, we break down exactly how to step out of the Family Drama Triangle —the toxic cycle of victim, villain, and rescuer that silently sabotages your parenting, partnership, and peace. We share the 3 surprisin...

Are you struggling with how to handle conflicts and tough behavior with your kids? Do consequences often feel harsh or ineffective, leaving your family stressed instead of connected? In this episode, we dive deep into using natural consequences as a powerful tool for conflict resolution in your family. Instead of punishments or power struggles, discover how fun yet impactful consequences can teach...

Are you and your spouse constantly disagreeing about HOW to best parent your children? Are you wondering if one (or both) of your parenting styles is hurting your child’s emotional growth? And if so, what do you do about it, especially when you disagree so adamantly? In this episode, we unpack the subtle but powerful effects that parenting styles have on children’s development —especially when it...

Do your kids struggle with tantrums, power struggles, or emotional meltdowns—and you’re not sure how to stop the cycle without yelling or harsh discipline ? After posting on Instagram about how we raised our 7 kids without yelling, punishments, or power struggles , we received so much interest and questions from parents wanting to know— is it really possible ? Yes, it is —and in this episode, we s...

Feeling torn between your big dreams and the tiny humans in your care? Do you ever wonder if you’ll ever have the time, energy, or space to pursue the big dreams in your heart — while you're still night nursing, co-sleeping, and managing tantrums between business tasks? You're not alone. In this episode, Rachel gets real about what it takes to be an ambitious mom in the baby and toddler ye...

Do your kids constantly bicker, tattle, or compete for attention? Are you tired of breaking up fights and wondering if sibling rivalry is just normal ? In this episode, we dive deep into how we've navigated sibling dynamics while raising seven kids —without letting rivalry and resentment take over our home. We share the simple but powerful habits that have helped us create a strong family cult...

Have you ever worried about whether your parenting methods are building real emotional connection—or unintentionally causing harm? We received a thoughtful question from a listener who shared a heartbreaking personal story: while her mom intended to foster attachment , her methods—like forced "holding time"— ended up destroying trust and psychological safety instead. In this episode, we...

Are you struggling with constant meltdowns, defiance, rebellion, or other 'bad' behavior from your child—whether they’re 3 or 23? Do you feel disconnected from them and like they won't listen, share, confide, or trust you? Here’s the truth: “bad” behavior is almost never the real issue. It’s a signal—a symptom of something deeper going on beneath the surface … usually a broken or weake...

Are you overwhelmed by your child’s clinginess, emotional meltdowns, tantrums, or constant need for attention? Do you want to be a calm, connected parent —but feel touched out, maxed out, and unsure how to respond without creating 'bad habits' in your children? In this episode, we respond to a heartfelt question from a listener who asked: “How do I support my children when they’re being em...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of providing an exceptional education for your children? Do you want to foster a love of learning while preparing them for a future filled with curiosity and independence? In this second part of a two-part episode, we address a question from a listener—a successful businesswoman and mom of four—who is struggling to balance her career, homeschooling aspiratio...

Are you struggling to balance your business/career while being a present mom at the same time? (We had multiple technical issues with this episode. Please forgive the sudden ending). Achieving work-life balance as a mompreneur can feel impossible, but the small decisions you make every day can either help you manage overwhelm or contribute to burnout. In this episode, we dive deep into how to crea...

Are you struggling with finding the balance between 'guiding' your kids' choices and empowering them with real (but frightening) agency?  In this episode, we answer a listener’s thoughtful question about how to support their kids in developing individual agency while still fostering a strong, supportive parental attachment and safe environment that protects from real risk without being...

Are you struggling with how to handle your child's tough emotions or challenging behaviors? Did you know that it's the small, everyday habits that are sabotaging your family's happiness and contributing to misbehavior? In this episode, we dive into the things we NEVER do as parents of 7 children to ensure a positive, nurturing family culture that helps our children grow into well-adjusted, confide...

Does having children or being married make you more unhappy than single or childless individuals ? Many people (rightly) say 'Yes'! That's why more and more people are choosing to remain single, to avoid long-term commitments, and to vow to never have children at all. Because it IS hard and often makes you 'unhappy'. But what if happiness is not the point of life? What if the challenges of marriag...

Are you feeling confused, frustrated, or angry about the noise of politics and social media? Constantly caught between opposing views, trying to figure out what’s true? In this episode, we explore the idea that true change begins with YOU . Instead of getting caught up in the endless political cycle, we focus on self development and taking control of your own life . As the world seems more divided...

" What are some practical steps to change our emotional state? How do we change the energy that we radiate ? You guys emphasize that it’s a choice, we can choose... but why does that feel so difficult and strange ? How do you do it so that it is genuine and not a mask ?" In this episode, Greg and Rachel explore the powerful impact of emotional awareness and emotional intelligence on fami...

In this powerful episode, we delve into the concept of EXTREME Gratitude — a mindset that can shift the way we experience life's challenges and blessings .  Join us as we reflect on the fragility of life and how tragedy can serve as a stark reminder to cherish every precious moment with our children.  From personal stories of heartache and near-loss to practical advice for cultivating a deeper sen...

You don’t eat vegetables???!!! This question came from a listener after hearing Greg and Rachel’s radical approach to nutrition. You might be thinking the same thing, but stick with us –they dive deep into the reasons behind their decision to stop eating vegetables, how they moved to an animal-based diet, why salad is a 'toxic sludge', how the food pyramid is a scam, and the evidence on ho...

A strong, thriving marriage can bring immense joy and happiness to your life -- but a struggling one can create unnecessary pain and misery. In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning unlock the secret to "marriage magic" that can be the foundation of true happiness and fulfillment.  They share how to break free from marriage mediocrity by setting high expectations for your relationship an...

"Is there room for doubt? Or are you always certain (in this podcast, etc) that your decisions/choices about how to navigate this life are the way everyone should also do things? Because if you are certain, that leaves no room for tolerance or unity, which isn't necessarily a good thing. " In this episode, we discuss certainty and the role it plays in the choices we make and the live...

In this episode, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning tackle a question from a listener about navigating family dynamics, particularly when your lifestyle choices conflict with those of your in-laws. The listener expresses frustration about her family's refusal to respect her parenting choices, from food habits to childcare practices, and the toll this has taken on her relationship with her in-laws a...

In this episode, hosts Greg and Rachel Denning dive into the vital concept of taking control of family life and prioritizing family values over societal norms. They encourage listeners to refuse to participate in the pressure to conform to mainstream expectations and instead focus on building a life centered around personal and family growth, self-and-family improvement, and family connection. Gre...

In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life podcast, Greg and Rachel Denning share powerful new year motivation for parents seeking to inspire and guide their children. They discuss the importance of setting goals, embracing discomfort, and preparing kids to face life’s challenges with resilience . By modeling adaptability and growth, parents can foster a supportive environment where their ch...