

The Intentional Family
Rachel & Mike Schmitz
The Intentional Family is a podcast about purposefully building a great home life, one day at a time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2026 • 25min
Episode 169: What My Broken Leg Taught Me
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 LemonsClassical ConversationsSit, Walk, Stand by Watchman Nee

Sep 1, 2026 • 20min
Episode 168: When Life Hands You Lemons
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

Aug 18, 2026 • 26min
Episode 167: Running on Empty
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

Aug 5, 2026 • 17min
Episode 166: Parenting From Faith, Not Fear
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.

Jul 22, 2026 • 28min
Episode 165: The Year I Quit Social Media (And Why I Might Go Back)
A personal story about quitting social media after an uncomfortable encounter and why returning is being reconsidered. A look at Gen Z loneliness and data tying platforms to isolation. How leaving changed daily habits and reduced comparison. Practical limits on using Facebook for tasks only. Reflections on faith, approval addiction, and using social media as a tool, not fulfillment.

Jul 8, 2026 • 22min
Episode 164: You Were Never Meant to Carry It All
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.

Jun 23, 2026 • 22min
Episode 163: It’s Never Too Late
A personal story about five months of exhaustion and how overlapping commitments tested perseverance. The narrative follows sudden leadership needs and an overnight provision that filled gaps. A vivid double rainbow appears as a sign of faithfulness. Practical tools include seeking God first, naming daily gratitudes, intentional rest, basic self-care, and spending time with encouragers.

Jun 9, 2026 • 21min
Episode 162: Raising Kids Who Know What They're For
A personal story about noticing what lights a child up and letting that spark guide their gifts. Practical signs to watch for like losing track of time and recurring interests. Gentle, low-stakes ways parents can lean in and create space for discovery. A five-step framework for observing, supporting, and building confidence without forcing career decisions.

May 26, 2026 • 23min
Episode 161: What Your Kids Actually Need From You
A deep dive into how steady one-on-one time builds real connection with kids. Practical routines for individual outings and no-agenda activities that lower guards. Techniques for asking curious questions and truly listening. Simple, low-cost ideas and a step-by-step challenge to start showing up consistently.

May 12, 2026 • 34min
160: How to Use AI in Your Family Without Losing What Matters
They explore how to introduce AI to kids and model responsible use. They explain what AI actually does and when to treat it as a thinking partner versus a shortcut. They share practical workflows for using AI to draft, edit, and brainstorm creative work. They discuss teaching students to use AI for research and shaping balanced school policies.


